HOT TOPIC
// Popular Mitsubishi models avoid ADR chop
Popular Mitsubishi models in New Zealand will continue to be sold here, but they have been chopped in Australia due to new Australian Design Rules (ADR) coming into force March 1, 2025.
HOT TOPIC
// Bishop to replace Brown as Transport Minister
Chris Bishop is set to take over the key role of Transport Minister, with incumbent Simeon Brown required elsewhere.
- AutoTalk says Bishop to take over transport portfolio
HOT TOPIC
// Polestar 7 announced, Polestar 5 sales to start mid-2025
Polestar has announced it will manufacture a new premium compact SUV, the Polestar 7, in Europe.
HOT TOPIC
// Giltrap Group appoints Ben Montgomery as new Motorcorp GM
The Giltrap Group has appointed Ben Montgomery as the new general manager for Motorcorp Distributors Limited (MDL), the JLR importer, effective February 17.
HOT TOPIC
// Bumpy road ahead as US bans Chinese and Russian ‘connected’ cars
The US Government has just thrown a wrench in the automotive global supply chain by banning ‘connected’ Chinese and Russian vehicles from model year 2027, including any produced within the continental USA.
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BEST OF THE REST
// Kiwi EV pioneer enters recievership
Tauranga-based electric motorcycle manufacturer Ubco has gone into receivership, only a few months after celebrating a major deal with Australia Post.
// Toyota works on new app
Financial services division plans new vehicle subscription service.
IN OTHER NEWS
// Toyota reveals pricing of 2025 GR sports car line-up
During a track day event at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park on Jnuary 16, Toyota revealed the pricing for its Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR) sports car line-up for the 2025 model year.
// BYD could offer autopilot features on every model by 2025
Chinese auto giant BYD plans to roll out Navigate on Autopilot (NOA) features across its entire vehicle range in 2025, as reported by business and technology platform 36Kr.
// European carmakers plead for ‘grand bargain’ with Trump to avoid tariffs
Carmakers including BMW and Mercedes have urged Brussels to strike a “grand bargain” with Donald Trump to prevent disaster for Europe’s auto industry.
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INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS
// The 2025 Kia EV6 GT’s ‘Virtual Shift’ And ‘Engine’ Sounds Are Wild
Move over, Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. Your cousin from Kia sounds pretty rowdy too and also brings “gear shifts” to the EV performance world.
ONE LINERS
- 40-Series toasted by bread in aero test
- Polestar releases third-quarter results, updates FY24 guidance
- Drive Electric seeks new CEO
- Focus factory closes as Ford shifts EV
- iPhone maker sets its sights on the crowded EV market
- Porsche’s ICE-powered Macan could make a comeback
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