HOT TOPIC
// Mazda CX-6e detailed for New Zealand: electric SUV lands later this year
Mazda’s first proper crack at a battery-electric family SUV is headed to New Zealand with a single, fully loaded specification and a rear-drive powertrain that echoes the brand’s sports car heritage.
- EVs & Beyond says Mazda confirms CX-6e electric SUV specifications for NZ
HOT TOPIC
// Toyota widens its EV net with bZ4X Touring, Hilux BEV and Urban Cruiser on the horizon
Toyota New Zealand’s electric vehicle portfolio is expanding rapidly, with the bZ4X Touring now confirmed for mid-2026 arrival and the Hilux BEV opening for pre-orders later this month, while a third nameplate, the Indian-built Urban Cruiser, is also likely to reach Kiwi shores in limited numbers.
- EVs & Beyond says Toyota adds bZ4X Touring to EV range
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BEST OF THE REST
// Eagers completes $1b strategic investment in CanadaOne Auto
Eagers Automotive has completed its A$1 billion strategic investment in CanadaOne Auto, acquiring 65% of the shares in the Canadian dealership group’s holding company.
// Call for ute tax
Experts claim collisions with utilities are seven times more likely to result in death.
IN OTHER NEWS
// Dongfeng deal could send Chinese-built Peugeots and Jeeps to NZ shores
Stellantis and Dongfeng have signed a new strategic cooperation agreement that will see their long-standing joint venture produce Peugeot and Jeep models in China for sale worldwide, in a deal worth approximately €1 billion (NZ$1.98 billion).
// Phoenix Recycling and Sumitomo study lithium battery processing facility for NZ
Phoenix Recycling Group has signed a strategic partnership with Sumitomo Corporation to investigate the potential development of a lithium-ion battery processing facility in New Zealand as electric vehicle adoption and end-of-life battery volumes continue to grow.
// Meridian secures consent for Bunnythorpe solar farm
Meridian Energy has received consent to build a 120MW solar farm at Bunnythorpe, north of Palmerston North, alongside an already consented battery energy storage system (BESS).
// Honda appoints Thompson Spencer as creative partner
Honda New Zealand has appointed Thompson Spencer as its creative partner following a competitive process among existing agency partners.
// Nissan NZ will pay existing owners to upgrade to a new X-Trail
Nissan X-Trail buyers are being offered sharp finance rates and a loyalty cash bonus as Nissan New Zealand looks to boost sales of its mid-size SUV.
// From Inchcape to Ford
Delaney back with blue oval as dealer principal of the Ultimate Motor Group.
// Mercedes-Benz E-Class goes dark with two limited NZ editions
Mercedes-Benz has added two new limited-run E-Class editions to its New Zealand line-up, both leaning hard into the blacked-out look.
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INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS
// Absurdly Fast EV Chargers Are Coming To America, But Cars Aren’t Ready
Forget 400 kilowatts. The next wave of electric vehicle chargers are getting ready for much faster speeds.
ONE LINERS
- Renault unveils open-air 4 JP4x4 electric concept
- Toyota Land Cruiser FJ launches as budget-friendly baby off-roader
- Lada Niva: Replacement for 50-year-old off-road icon breaks cover
- Winging it – Mercedes-AMG Mythos coupe edges closer to debut
- Mazda delays its next in-house EV even before starting work on it
- V8-powered Vision BMW Alpina concept previews brand’s luxury reboot
- Nissan posts $5.8 billion loss but says turnaround is gaining momentum
- Honda posts first loss in 70 years due to EV u-turn
- Honda shifts focus to hybrids with new concepts
- Honda posts first annual loss amid EV strategy reset
- Nissan reports $5.8b annual loss, recovery plan progresses
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