HOT TOPIC
// Toyota has made the Prius fast and sexy, but it’s come too late for NZ
Toyota has finally made the Prius sexy. The all-new model launched globally this week showcases heavily updated hybrid electrified vehicle (HEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) technology in an undeniably sleek body shape.
- AutoCar says This is the new fifth-generation Toyota Prius
- EVs and Beyond says Toyota unveils sleek new Prius, NZ future unclear
HOT TOPIC
// Suzuki Swift hits new sales highs in NZ
The Suzuki Swift has reached ‘new sales highs’ in the light car sector in New Zealand, says its local distributor.
- AutoFile says Boom in Swift sales
- AutoTalk says Swift continues to be a local cornerstone for Suzuki
HOT TOPIC
// Toyota, Land Rover, Nissan SUVs get five-star ANCAP ratings
The Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has confirmed its latest batch of five-star rating recipients.
HOT TOPIC
// National shifts clean car stance
Leader’s bungle forces party to clarify it backs having an emissions standard but still wants to abolish the discount scheme.
- Stuff Motoring says Explainer: What the hell is the Clean Car Standard?
SPONSORED BY NZ CAR DEALERS FACEBOOK GROUP
// Finally, a private Facebook group for Car Dealer chat.
Here’s some of the conversations we’ve had lately…
- Finance fraud warning
- If you accumulate emissions credits, would you sell them or bank them?
- New/Old paypal scam for Car sellers
- No More Tesla Imports?
Click here to join – It’s free
BEST OF THE REST
// Mahindra XUV700 and Scorpio N will be at Fieldays
Mahindra will have new models on display at the National Fieldays at Mystery Creek this year. The first is the new XUV700 SUV.
// Safety warning after police probe
Transport agency issues an industry alert for certain types of suspension systems.
INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS
// Genesis X Convertible concept: Dope or nope?
After the release of the Genesis Concept X Speedium, Genesis has unveiled a totally new vehicle, concisely named the Genesis X Convertible
IN OTHER NEWS
// Porsche Macan Electric due 2024
The Porsche Macan Electric SUV will have about 480km range and be the first of the brand based on the premium platform electric (PPE) it shares with Audi and expected in most Volkswagen EVs.
// Volvo Cars NZ reveals EV ambitions
Company plotting shift towards only selling zero-emissions vehicles as Australian counterparts make 2026 pledge.
// VWCV delivers custom ID.Buzz Cargo to Miele
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) has delivered the first tranche of five custom all-electric ID.Buzz Cargo vans to the Miele appliance brand for use by its customer service team.
// EVs lead chase for gong
Judges given shortlist of 12 vehicles representing 10 marques as they decide who will win annual award.
// The new Ford Ranger can now carry long loads
The new Ford Ranger is about to become more versatile with the introduction of the Flexible Rack System (FRS), allowing the ute to transport longer cargo like ladders, timber, canoes, surfboards, bicycles, and more.
// Zooming with DRIVEN: Toyota, A Kiwi Obsession
Toyota, A Kiwi Obsession is a coffee table book Dean has managed to get his hands on. It celebrates Toyota’s vehicles in New Zealand, and Dean talks through a few highlights.
ONE LINERS
- Could this be the world’s most capable electric 4×4?
- EV battery solutions from Avery Dennison
- Lincoln appointed acting AA Motoring Services general manager
- Study suggests New Zealand is the most car-dependent country in the world
- Jaguar Land Rover CEO Thierry Bolloré resigns
- Consumer Reports survey: Hybrids are most reliable vehicles
HELPFUL RESOURCES
// NZ Car Dealers Private Facebook Group
// 100% Free Sales leads, with contact details to follow up
TradeMyCar.co.nz is offering free sales leads for a limited time:
- You’ll get the customers’ contact details to follow up your offer. Every time.
- Respond to as many leads as you like, 100% free. (for a limited time)
Get on the list to receive the leads
// Current National New Car Deals
REMOVED THIS WEEK
HAVAL
- H6GT LUX FROM $42,990 SRRP INC GST + ORC*
Updated every Friday, here’s a complete list of current National deals for new cars, utes, and light commercials.
// Clean Car Discount / Fee Finder
RightCar.govt.nz is the Government recommended website for rebate/fee information. Simply search from the Home page to find a vehicle’s rebate/fee.







