HOT TOPIC

// Lexus led April luxury new car market

The Lexus marque’s popularity surge in New Zealand continued in April 2024, with the Japanese brand taking pole position for luxury passenger vehicle registrations.

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BEST OF THE REST

// Nearly $1.2m owed in Euro City liquidation

A prominent motor vehicle and boat dealership based in Napier which was placed into voluntary liquidation last month owes close to $1.2 million to 148 creditors.

// Vehicle loan arrears at all-time high

“Tough economic climate” also sees the number of businesses put into liquidation reach its worst level in nine years.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Two become one for coupe

Marque’s discontinued variants replaced by new model line that promises more space for rear-seat passengers.

// Final schedule released for AutoTalk Live

BYD Auto New Zealand brand manager Warren Willmot – replacing Toyota NZ chief executive Neeraj Lala – and automotive consultant Stephen Timperley are the latest speakers confirmed for AutoTalk Live on May 7.

// Tributes flow for Sir Colin

Funeral service hears Giltrap Group founder was active in the business almost until his passing.

// Mercedes to implement silicon-anode battery tech

Mercedes-Benz is introducing ‘game-changing’ silicon-anode battery technology for its electric G-Class.

// Elimination of Tesla’s charging department raises worries

Elon Musk’s move to lay off the department responsible for Tesla’s electric vehicle chargers has touched off worries in the auto industry

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INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS

// A fully-electric 10,000 ton container ship has begun service equipped with over 50,000 kWh in batteries

Chinese state-owned company COSCO Shipping has launched what it calls the “world’s largest” river-to-sea electric container ship.

// EVs Take 91.0% Share In Norway — Volvo EX30 Grabs Top Spot

The auto market saw plugin EVs take 91.0% share in Norway in April, roughly flat from 91.1% year on year. BEVs alone took 89.4% share, up from 83.3% YoY.

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