HOT TOPIC

// Dongfeng taps Armstrong’s to launch affordable EVs in NZ

Chinese auto giant Dongfeng Motor is entering the New Zealand market, appointing Armstrong’s Distribution Limited as exclusive distributor.

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HOT TOPIC

// ChargeNet celebrates a decade: more power to Kiwi EV company

The New Zealand electric vehicle (EV) market has had its ups and downs over the past few years, but as it celebrates its 10th year of business, public charging provider ChargeNet says it still consistently sees 40% growth year-on-year.

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STATS WEEK

// No change for top models

Toyota trio stay ahead of Nissan and Mazda vehicles as registrations of used imports record slight dip. The number of used-imported cars registered in New Zealand fell by 1.7 per cent last month to 7,072, when compared with the 7,191 units in September 2024.

// New car sales keep climbing

Back-to-back monthly increases pushes sector 14.5 per cent ahead of where it was this time last year. There were 10,362 new passenger vehicles registered in September, which was up by 20.9 per cent from 8,570 units in the same month of last year.

// Surge for new commercials

Registrations rise 14.5 per cent from a year ago but numbers in the used market are down. There were 3,637 new commercials registered last month, an increase of 14.5 per cent when compared with 3,176 in September 2024.

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BEST OF THE REST

// Uber becomes major Lucid shareholder with 20,000 vehicle order

Lucid Motors has secured a major partnership with Uber that includes a $300 million investment and an order for 20,000 Gravity SUVs, even as the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer acknowledges its current cash reserves will not sustain operations to break-even.

// Ford NZ and dealers join global dealer food drive

Ford New Zealand has participated in what the company calls the world’s largest dealer food drive, with the local head office team filling a Ford Everest with donations and delivering them to Auckland City Mission – Te Tāpui Atawhai.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Eagers Automotive acquires Canadian dealership group stake for A$1b

Eagers Automotive has agreed to acquire a 65% stake in CanadaOne Auto, one of Canada’s largest dealership groups, for A$1 billion in a deal that marks the Australian-listed company’s first major international expansion.

// Suzuki unveils new emblem after 22 years

Suzuki Motor Corporation has redesigned its emblem for the first time in over two decades, adopting a flat design approach that reflects both digital age aesthetics and environmental considerations.

// MTF Finance appoints future director from franchise network

New Zealand-owned MTF Finance has appointed Julia Bentley, co-franchisee of its Central Otago operation, as a board observer through the Institute of Directors’ future director programme.

// Changing rules for importers

Industry association highlights implications of Land Transport Rule updates being introduced in November. Importers and other businesses in the vehicle supply chain are being reminded that “substantive changes” to the Land Transport Rule: Regulatory Systems Amendment 2025 will come into effect next month.

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INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS

// The Solid-State EV Battery Race Heats Up As Corning & QuantumScape Join Forces

QuantumScape is among the US-based solid state EV battery innovators to keep the advanced energy storage momentum going, regardless of the abrupt shift in federal energy policy.

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Multi-award-winning Mitsubishi dealership. Competitive remuneration aligned with your experience. 8am-4.30pm Mon to Fri, no weekends!

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