HOT TOPIC
// Audi makes history at Dakar with first electric-driven vehicle win
Taking on the world’s toughest rally, Dakar, is no easy feat, which is why it’s all the more impressive when you realise that Audi won the event for the first time ever with an electric-driven vehicle.
HOT TOPIC
// This is Volkswagen’s Amarok-based SUV that never was
It’s no secret that the Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok share the same bones.
HOT TOPIC
// 2025 VW Golf facelift revealed with updated looks, power, and tech
Can you believe it? This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Volkswagen Golf, and to celebrate, the German carmaker has given the 2025 model a facelift with sharpened looks, enhanced powertrains, and artificial intelligence-backed tech.
SPONSORED BY AUTOFLIP
// 850 dealers in Australia can’t be wrong
With 65 employees and more than 850 dealers using the service in Australia, a strategic Kiwi partnership signed means AutoFlip is coming to New Zealand. Read about it here in AutoTalk, or learn more on the AutoFlip website.
AutoFlip offers dealers a simple way to buy stock quickly, with a wide range of quality vehicles listed daily. And sell aged stock and trade-ins fast, with access to licensed buyers ready to purchase.
Register now to be part of the Feb 2024 official launch
BEST OF THE REST
// Android Auto update aims for safer texting while driving
Google’s latest update to Android Auto looks to up the ante in automotive safety and convenience.
// Suzuki NZ garners 1000 prospects for Jimny 5-door SUV
Suzuki New Zealand says more than 1000 prospective customers registered their interest online for the new Jimny 5-door model ahead of its market launch.
IN OTHER NEWS
// Hyundai unveils trick aero that improves EV range and stability
Hyundai and Kia have once again partnered up to create cunning new technology for their vehicles, and this time it’s a trick aero feature that is said to improve the driving range and stability of their EVs.
// EVs to cap at 30% of market and ICE engines remain, Toyota chair forecasts
Toyota chair Akio Toyoda reckons EVs will be unofficially capped at about 30% of all new vehicle sales.
// Ford wants to be the last brand that sells a V8
The big boss of Ford, Jim Farley, has made it clear he wants the brand to be the very last to sell cars with a V8 engine under the bonnet.
// Tesla rolls out FSD v12 beta: will AI finally nail down autonomous driving?
Tesla has taken a significant step forward in the realm of autonomous driving with the release of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta v12 update.
INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS
// The Secret Apple Car Project Is At A ‘Make-Or-Break’ Moment: Report
Apple is delaying and scaling back its plans to make an electric car to rival Tesla.
ONE LINERS
- New Porsche Taycan final testing
- Electric bus fleet delayed by shipping issues
- Sydney EV show Feb 9-11
- Mercury picks plenty of hydro power
- Annual inflation down in December quarter
- BMW boosts charging network
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.
// Advertise Here to reach the Industry
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.