HOT TOPIC
// Subaru confirms Trailseeker EV for New Zealand
Subaru has confirmed its new Trailseeker electric SUV will arrive in New Zealand in September, becoming the brand’s flagship EV offering.
- Autofile says Touring variant set for NZ
- Driven Car Guide says Fastest-accelerating Subaru ever confirmed for New Zealand
HOT TOPIC
// MIA backs ‘harmonised’ lithium-ion battery guidelines
The Motor Industry Association (MIA) has backed plans for harmonised Australia-New Zealand guidelines for the safe management of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries, while calling for greater recognition of New Zealand’s conditions and the automotive sector’s existing recycling pathways.
- AutoTrader says Plan to harmonise lithium-ion battery guidelines backed by MIA
SPONSORED BY AUTOCHECK
// Use the best tool for the job
Built by dealers. Trusted by dealerships nationwide.
“It’s clear that the Autocheck team understands the industry’s day-to-day operations …” – Jeremy Spicer, Group General Manager, Andrew Simms Group
Call Mike 021 410 134 or visit AutoCheck.co.nz
BEST OF THE REST
// Dealer liquidations increase
The number of motor vehicle and parts retailers placed into liquidation in the past year has increased by 53 per cent from the previous 12 months, according to a new report from Centrix.
IN OTHER NEWS
// Peugeot issues local recall for a number of models over faulty door handles
Auto Distribution Holdings has issued a recall in New Zealand for a number of models across Peugeot and Opel.
// Plug-in vehicle demand drives May registration growth
New vehicle registrations increased by over 1000 units in May compared with the same period last year, with strong demand for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) helping drive growth in the passenger vehicle market.
// Electric Hilux and new Subaru EVs earn five-star ANCAP ratings
The battery-electric Toyota Hilux, Subaru Trailseeker and Subaru Uncharted have achieved five-star ANCAP safety ratings, while the BMW 1 Series and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe have been awarded four stars.
SPONSORED BY EV POWER
// Make the smart decision
Trusted by smart Franchise dealers Nationwide.
The smart decision is using a company that’s sold over 50,000 EV charging products in New Zealand since 2016.
A company that holds ‘Consumer Trusted’ accreditation, giving you confidence in both their product and customer service.
INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS
// Top Selling Electric Vehicles in the World — April 2026
Plugin vehicle registrations were up 9% year over year (YoY) in April, ending the month at around 1.6 million units. Interestingly, BEVs (+19% YoY) and PHEVs (-9% YoY) behaved very differently, with pure electrics back to double-digit growth while plugin hybrids remained in the red.
ONE LINERS
- Lotus Eletre X hybrid SUV claims 1200km range and 9-minute charging
- BYD’s first owned vessel arrives in Melbourne
- MTF Finance strengthens leadership with key appointments
- Hardened Toyota GRMN Corolla revealed, but it won’t be sold in NZ
- Another Porsche 911 restomod with a GT3-beating power-to-weight ratio
- Ferrari’s $1 million Luce EV to be crash tested by Euro NCAP
- BMW and Mistral AI team up to make crash testing smarter
SPONSORED BY FARMER AUTOVILLAGE
// Farmer Autovillage Wheel Repairs
Now offering precision machine face wheel repairs and professional powder coating using our advanced WheelRestore diamond cutting machine and specialist coating equipment. From cost-effective repairs to full blackouts, it’s the perfect solution for used vehicle reconditioning.
Fast turnaround times – Simply send us the wheel complete with tyre and we’ll return it repaired, fitted, balanced, and ready to roll.
Contact: tyreadvisors@farmerautovillage.co.nz
OTHER STUFF
// Join the conversation
Are you a member of the NZ Car Dealers Facebook Group? Join hundreds of your peers in the most active online community for New Zealand car dealers.
// Advertise in The Full Brief
Want to get your brand in front of New Zealand’s automotive trade? Contact Dan to find out about advertising options.