HOT TOPIC
// Trade Me takes 50% stake in Stuff Digital Ltd
Trade Me is expanding its digital presence, announcing it will take a 50% stake in Stuff Digital Ltd—the business behind stuff.co.nz, New Zealand’s most visited news website.
- AutoFile says Trade Me deal with Stuff
HOT TOPIC
// Government passes MTA’s third Warrant of Fitness check
The Government is roadworthy and driving forward in key areas, the Motor Trade Association says in its third ‘Warrant of Fitness’ check of the term.
- AutoFile says ‘Big tick’ for training
STATS WEEK
// Nissan ute makes big gains
Navara bucks trend with 108.8 per cent sales jump as light commercial market down from a year ago. There were 3,434 new commercials registered last month, a drop of 9.9 per cent when compared with 3,813 in May 2024.
// New passenger car sales climb
Mitsubishi ASX and Ford Everest record significant rises from May 2024 but Toyota’s RAV4 remains number one model. There were 6,815 new passenger vehicles registered in May, which was up by 7.3 per cent from 6,350 units in the same month of last year.
// Used imports slip in May, Toyota hybrids lead the pack
The used import market remained subdued in May 2025, with a total of 7563 light vehicles registered—7273 passenger vehicles and 290 commercials—according to Waka Kotahi data.
// New vehicle registrations steady in May as commercials bounce back
New vehicle registrations totalled 11,210 units in May 2025, a stable result in line with April’s performance. The mix included 7,041 passenger vehicles and 4,169 light commercials, according to Waka Kotahi data.
// Toyota trio lead used market
Aqua, Prius and Corolla continue to dominate as sector reports overall registrations down year-on-year. The number of used-imported cars registered in New Zealand fell by 18.1 per cent last month to 7,273, when compared with the 8,877 units in May 2024.
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BEST OF THE REST
// New sub-$30k car confirmed for New Zealand
As numerous carmakers step away from offering small, cheap cars in New Zealand, Mahindra is set to buck the trend — announcing it will soon offer a sub-$30,000 crossover called the XUV 3X0.
// Stepping forward for king’s honours
Recipients include ex-MP Steven Joyce, rentals company owner and “voice of motorsport”. Steven Joyce, who was Minister of Transport from 2008-11, has been made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services as an MP.
THE FULL BRIEF PODCAST
// No time to read?
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IN OTHER NEWS
// Chinese carmaker stokes unlikely rivalry between 4×4 hybrid utes
Amid the arrival of a sea of new ute models, many from brands fresh to the Australasian market, a new rivalry appears to be emerging between two plug-in hybrids from China — the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV and the BYD Shark 6.
// Hyundai’s ute dreams get real: global pickup confirmed
Hyundai has officially confirmed plans for a global ute, distinct from the US-only Santa Cruz. Launch timing depends on platform and powertrain, with diesel and electric both under review.
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INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS
// BYD’s Five-Minute ‘Megawatt’ Chargers Are A Big Deal. 15,000 More Are Coming
BYD already has 500 of these five-minute fast-chargers up and running. Now, a lot more are on the way.
ONE LINERS
- A Ferrari 458 Spider burns an hour after delivery
- Bentley Bentayga Speed returns and it’s not a hybrid
- Bulletproof or bust: why Bill Gates once walked out on Mercedes
- Volvo taps Gemini AI to become Google’s testbed on wheels
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