HOT TOPIC
// Business confidence rebounding
Survey shows retailers hopeful about recovery in demand over coming months.
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// Need a marketing manager, but without the full-time salary?
In 6 hours a week, I’ll help your automotive dealership generate more leads and sell more vehicles.
I’ll improve your brand, website/VDPs, PPC ads, SEO, get more Google reviews, set up automations, and systemise your photography and data gathering. No fluff, just execution. I’ve been the Marketing Manager at Bay City Mitsubishi for the last 7 years, built several web-based businesses (including The Full Brief), and had 26 years marketing experience all up.
BEST OF THE REST
// Study results: Modern EV batteries built to last beyond vehicle service life
Modern electric vehicle batteries are built to last beyond a typical vehicle’s service life, with an average annual degradation rate of 2.3%, according to a comprehensive new study by global telematics company Geotab.
IN OTHER NEWS
// Auto Trader closes 2025 with 47% user growth
Auto Trader has reported strong performance figures for December 2025, capping what the platform describes as a significant year of growth in buyer demand and engagement.
// ANCAP to reward physical buttons over touchscreens for safety
The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) will reward higher safety ratings to vehicles that include physical buttons for basic functions, as concerns grow about driver distraction from touchscreen-heavy dashboards.
// Chery Tiggo 8 goes pure-petrol for New Zealand, gains AWD option
Following its announcement of petrol-only variants of the Tiggo 7 5-seat (yes, that’s a slightly confusing model name) SUV, Chery has confirmed its Tiggo 8 7-seater (ditto) is taking a similar path in New Zealand – albeit with an extra dimension.
INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS
// Hyundai shows off the ultimate EV camper with solar power, a kitchen, and few other goodies
Hyundai unveiled an all-electric camper van with solar panels for off-grid adventures. It even has a kitchen, smart features, and plenty more for extended stays
ONE LINERS
- Workshop technology takes centre stage at 2026 expo
- Tesla upgrades Model Y screen
- BMW M240i gets a power up
- Porsche deliveries fall 10% as electrification accelerates
- GWM One: Chinese brand teases enormous SUV on all-new platform
- Leaked: Volvo EX60 images emerge ahead of official launch
- This $6 million dollar German hypercar hides a Ferrari heart
OTHER STUFF
// NZ Car Dealers Private Facebook Group
Join 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.
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Reach a highly targeted group of automotive industry professionals. Dealer Principal’s, Sales Managers, Parts and Service Managers, Industry Suppliers, and all the people working with them that help influence buying decisions.