HOT TOPIC
// Kia EV9 concept teased and debut date announced
Kia has just released a teaser for its new EV9 concept car on Instagram. This comes a couple of months after Kia revealed its first dedicated EV, the EV6.
HOT TOPIC
// Armstrong’s considering Australia and New Zealand IPO
Armstrongs, the privately held automotive distribution and retail group, is considering an initial public offer by listing dually on the main board of the New Zealand Stock Exchange (NZX) and the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) in 2022.
- AutoFile says Dealer group eyes dual listing
HOT TOPIC
// Another new car manufacturer confirmed for New Zealand
It’s been a bigger year than usual for new manufacturers, with BYD and Polestar both announcing that they’ll be setting up shop in New Zealand, and Lotus announcing its return to the market. Now another manufacturer, Lynk & Co, is set to join the local ranks, with a New Zealand and Australia expansion set to come sometime in the next four years.
- EVs and Beyond says Lynk & Co EV brand likely here?
HOT TOPIC
// New appointment for vehicle border inspections
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has made a new border inspection organisation (BIO) appointment. KMA (NZ) Ltd is now among five other organisations approved to carry out border inspections for vehicles coming to New Zealand.
- AutoFile says Fresh border-inspection appointment
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BEST OF THE REST
// Mercedes announces global recall for EQC over faulty steering unit
Mercedes-Benzs fully electric EQC is at the centre of an international recall relating to the model’s power steering control unit.
// ‘Business as usual’ for used-car shipments
A leading figure at a shipping and logistics company is predicting the industry will enjoy a smoother 2022 compared to the past two years, with the delivery of used imports back to business as usual.
IN OTHER NEWS
// Honda to launch battery-sharing in India for auto rickshaws
Honda Motor Co. will start a battery-sharing service for India’s ubiquitous three-wheeled taxis, its way of supporting efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a nation facing worsening air pollution amid rapid economic growth.
// Tesla’s recent update made cars go haywire. It may be the excuse regulators needed.
For a few hours late last month, Tesla cars began behaving erratically after receiving an overnight software update. Cars suddenly started slamming on the brakes at highway speeds, owners reported, risking collisions.
// ‘Future Fuels’ a fizzer: EVC
The Australian federal government’s long-awaited Future Fuels strategy ignores the most important and effective measures to improve electric vehicle uptake, the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) of Australia says.
// Call to clean up existing fleet
The Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA) is calling for the governments clean car programme to be extended to mitigate two main risks it has identified under the proposed legislation.
// EV Torque – Coming ready or not!
That’s the electric sectors largest month so far, achieving about 12.5 percent of total new car sales. Tesla led the way, putting over 1000 new Model 3s on New Zealand’s roads.
// Chinese carmakers starting to make a dent in the Kiwi market
First, it was Japanese cars, then it was Korean cars, and now its cars from China that western markets like ours are tracking with great interest. Most pundits have said that the rise of Chinese carmakers is a case of when not if.
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ONE LINERS
- Restomod Grandeur: Hyundai gives 1980s sedan a wild 2021 makeover
- Geneva expecting 21% increase in pre-tax profit
- Turners confirms FY22 half-year announcement date
- If you’ve got a busted Honda S2000, why not turn it into a Beetle?
HELPFUL RESOURCES
// Current National New Car Deals
Updated every Friday, here’s a complete list of current National deals for new cars, utes, and light commercials.
// Clean Car Calculator
Input vehicle make and/or model to calculate if the car will receive a rebate, fee or sits in the zero band (no change).