HOT TOPIC
// Dealers to open at all levels of new Covid strategy
Dealerships and automotive businesses will be able to fully open once district health boards achieve double-dose vaccination for 90 per cent of their eligible populations.
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- Learn more about Newcoat products on their website
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BEST OF THE REST
// Luxo ute: GMC debuts full-size Sierra 1500 flagship
While most news concerning Americas full-size pick-up segment is largely irrelevant to New Zealand eyes, with the Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado now available locally its curious to keep tabs on the market and its players.
// GREEN SPECIAL: Layers of sound in the latest EVs
The absence of powertrain noise is one of the many things that sets the Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) driving experience apart from that of an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) car. Many drivers love it.
// Ford: New Ranger designed “to deliver years of dependable service”
Fords continual drip-feed of new information on the all-new Ranger ute continued overnight, with the release of more images showing the popular nameplate being torture tested overseas.
IN OTHER NEWS
// Designer of the original Lamborghini Countach doesn’t like the new one
In a scintillating press release issued this week, the designer of the original Lamborghini Countach, Marcello Gandini, has sought to distance himself from the recently revealed Countach rebirth.
// Watch: Tesla’s latest ‘Full Self Driving’ 10.2 update still not perfect
Teslas latest update to its Full Self Driving (FSD) beta software came with arguably more anticipation than before. Along with CEO Elon Musk talking up 10.2 on Twitter, it came after the tech firm drafted a safety score system that would rate drivers ability based on somewhat debatable parameters.
// Japanese carmakers plan to cut production by 1.3 million units
Japanese automakers expect production to be down by at least 1.3 million units in fiscal 2021 due to the global semiconductor shortage and the covid-19 pandemic in Southeast Asia, according to eight major manufacturers.
// The coming EV disruption that nobody’s talking about
An acrid smell hangs in the air at Trenton Forging Co. on the outskirts of Detroit as a 4,500 pound hammer slams a bar of red hot steel with enough force to shake the building.
// Deposits paid sight unseen
Consumer demand has been high for the next-generation Range Rover even though its price, launch date, images and specifications have yet to be announced.
// Tesla crash probe finds driver at wheel, muting autopilot worry
The Texas man who died last April when his Tesla slammed into a tree and burst into flames was behind the wheel and applying the accelerator in the moments before the impact, US federal accident investigators have said.
// Shots fired in the agency battle between dealers and manufacturers
The professional bodies which represent the international car manufacturers and the new car dealers in Australia have fired shots at each other about legal action over agency agreements between Mercedes-Benz and members of its Australian dealer network.
// Rare, mint-condition Renault Clio V6 to set auction records
A Renault Clio V6 Phase 2 showing just 980 miles (1577km) on the clock is about to go to auction in the UK, where it is expected to break records.
// More resurgence financial support for Auckland businesses as vaccine target announced
Finance Minister Grant Robertson says the governments resurgence support package will substantially increase for qualifying businesses and will move to fortnightly rather than three-weekly payments to better assist the recipients.
// SsangYong finally finds a buyer
After nearly a year of bankruptcy, South Korean manufacturer, SsangYong, has found a buyer. According to Nikkei Asia, Edison Motors is currently the preferred bidder, with the deal worth around US$260 million (NZ$363.5 million).
// Modifying your bike might soon be illegal in the UK
A new proposal from the UKs Department for Transport suggests banning modifying or customising a motorcycles exhaust system in order to reduce emissions.
ONE LINERS
- Ford reveals Bronco on tank tracks plus 5 other SEMA concepts
- Toyota still reigns supreme as world’s most valuable car brand
- Watch: Porsche goes Back to the Future with 1.21 gigawatt charging network
- RTR’s updated Ford Mustang GT package confirmed for NZ
- Nissan ex-chair Ghosn set on restoring reputation
- Tesla hits record profit despite parts shortage, delays
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).