HOT TOPIC
// Forthing NZ expands dealer network to six sites
Forthing New Zealand has added two new authorised dealer and service partners to its network, with Winger Motors on Auckland’s North Shore and Ebbetts in Tauranga both joining from July 1, 2026.
- Driven Car Guide says Forthing dealer network expands into Auckland’s North Shore and Tauranga
// New awards hail NZ’s best
BMW has emerged as the big winner in the inaugural CarExpert Choice Awards with five of its models taking out category honours.
// Mazda CX-5 sets new benchmark for ANCAP Vulnerable Road User Protection test
The forthcoming (for New Zealand) third-generation Mazda CX-5 has logged the highest-ever score for Vulnerable Road User Protection under ANCAP’s current crash/safety protocols (introduced in 2023), on its way to a 5-star overall safety rating.
- AutoTalk says Four SUVs earn five-star ANCAP safety ratings
// Tesla Model Y tops sales charts as local EV demand surges
New vehicle registrations rose to 13,440 units in June 2026, a 13.4% increase on the 11,851 recorded in the same month last year.
- Autofile says New-vehicle sector grows 21.2%
- Autofile says Ranger tops commercials market
- EVs & Beyond says Electrified passenger registrations hit record 38% share in June
- Autofile says Used import sales increase
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BEST OF THE REST
// NZ lags in global EV-friendly rankings
New Zealand has ranked among the world’s least EV-friendly countries in a new international index, with limited public charging infrastructure identified as one of the biggest barriers to wider electric vehicle adoption.
IN OTHER NEWS
// Honda NZ confirms Super-One EV pricing ahead of July launch
Honda New Zealand has confirmed pricing for the Super-One electric vehicle (EV), with the compact city car set to arrive before the end of July 2026.
// Etrucks to distribute Zeron electric trucks in Australia and NZ
Auckland-based Etrucks has been appointed the Australian and New Zealand distributor for Chinese electric truck manufacturer Zeron, with the company’s flagship battery-electric prime mover scheduled to arrive in both markets by January 2027.
// BYD opening new dealerships
BYD Auto NZ has announced it is expanding its authorised dealer network with six new sites set to open in the coming months.
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INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS
// Tesla begins testing steering-wheel-free Cybercab
Tesla has begun testing a steering-wheel-free version of its Cybercab robotaxi in Austin, Texas, the company announced Monday on X.
ONE LINERS
- China’s oldest carmaker is one step closer to NZ launch
- Volkswagen NZ is set to bring back the Polo later this year
- BMW has unveiled the fifth-generation X5 with petrol, diesel, PHEV, and electric powertrains
- Aston Martin brings DB12 S, Vantage S and DBX S to Goodwood
- Firefighters train for complex vehicle rescues
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