Automotive news

• Workshop technology takes centre stage at 2026 expo

  19-01-2026 23:54 via autotalk.co.nz
  Technology and innovation for modern automotive workshops will be the primary focus of the 2026 Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo, as the industry gathers to address rapid technological change across vehicle servicing and repair. The expo runs from 14–16 May 2026 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, co-located with the Collision Repair Expo. More than […]
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• Modern EV batteries built to last beyond vehicle service life, study confirms

  19-01-2026 23:37 via autotalk.co.nz
  Electric vehicle batteries degrade at an average rate of 2.3% per year, with high-power fast charging identified as the single largest factor accelerating battery wear, according to a comprehensive analysis of over 22,700 vehicles. The study by global telematics company Geotab examined 21 different electric vehicle models to provide real-world data on battery health and […]
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• Business confidence jumps to highest level in more than a decade

  19-01-2026 23:11 via autotalk.co.nz
  Business confidence lifted sharply in the final quarter of 2025, reaching its highest level since 2014, as signs of an economic recovery begin to emerge, according to the latest NZIER Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion. The survey, released by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, shows a net 39% of firms expect general economic […]
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• Next-generation Ford F-150 Lightning EREV set for Australian introduction

  19-01-2026 23:00 via drive.com.au
  The third-party importer of the electric F-150 Lightning will continue with the next-gen EREV model.
  Ford F-150 Lightning
  The next-generation Ford F-150 Lightning Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) has been confirmed for Australia.Just like the first-generation Lightning EV, the next F-150 Lightning won’t be a Ford Australia conversion project, but rather imported, converted to right-hand drive, and distributed by AusEV.The new F-150 Lightning EREV swaps the all-electric Lightning EV&r
  
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• ANCAP to reward physical buttons over touchscreens for safety

  19-01-2026 22:43 via autotalk.co.nz
  The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) will reward higher safety ratings to vehicles that retain physical buttons for basic functions, responding to growing concerns about driver distraction from touchscreen-heavy dashboards. The safety body hopes the policy change will encourage drivers to keep their eyes on the road as vehicle manufacturers increasingly move controls to […]
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• NSW overseas driver licensing rules change from February 1

  19-01-2026 22:34 via drive.com.au
  If you’re a licence holder from certain countries, you’ll no longer be able to exchange your overseas licence for a full NSW one without further training and testingIf you’re a driving licence holder from one of the following countries and you live in New South Wales, you’re going to need to act fast if you want an Aussie licence.From February 1, 2026, you’re no longer going to be able to transfer your overseas driving licence directly for a NSW licence.The existing
  
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• 2026 Kia Sportage GT-Line Hybrid AWD review

  19-01-2026 22:00 via drive.com.au
  There’s a lot of tech, space and refinement to like in the recently updated Kia Sportage, but is it worth more than $65K drive-away in flagship guise?
  Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps
  2026 Kia Sportage GT-Line Hybrid AWDThe Kia Sportage is one of Australia’s most popular SUVs, and the gradual rollout of hybrid power has only made it more appealing.Afte
  
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• Is it legal to leave your dog in the car?

  19-01-2026 21:30 via drive.com.au
  While we all love travelling with our furry best friends, is it legal to leave your dog in the car? Here’s what Drive found.
  Picture: iStock
  Though summer in Australia is normally reserved for quality time with your friends and family under the hot sun, it’s also one of the most dangerous for your fur baby.And while most pet owners try their best to accommodate their furry friends, it’s worth noting drivers travelling with a dog must abide by numerous laws or potentially face f
  
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• Speed cameras in South Australia set for high-tech upgrade

  19-01-2026 20:27 via drive.com.au
  South Australia Police have signed multimillion-dollar deals with Sensys Gatso to acquire the latest speed camera equipment for the state, as part of a wider investment into road safety cameras.South Australia Police (SAPOL) have signed multimillion-dollar deals to buy the latest speed camera equipment for the state as part of a wider investment into road safety cameras.SAPOL has confirmed it recently signed a $4.7 million contract with multinational speed camera company, Sensys Gatso, to provid
  
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• Auto Trader closes 2025 with 47% user growth

  19-01-2026 20:09 via autotalk.co.nz
  Auto Trader has reported strong performance figures for December 2025, capping what the platform describes as a significant year of growth in buyer demand and engagement. The automotive marketplace recorded 331,000 unique users in December, representing a 47% increase year-on-year. The platform generated more than 7 million page and listing views during the month alone. […]
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• Porsche deliveries fall 10% as electrification accelerates

  19-01-2026 19:58 via autotalk.co.nz
  Porsche delivered 279,449 vehicles globally in 2025, down 10% from the previous year’s 310,718 units, as the German sports car manufacturer prioritised value-oriented sales over volume growth. The decline was attributed to supply gaps for the 718 and combustion-engined Macan models, weaker demand for luxury vehicles in China, and the company’s strategic focus on maintaining […]
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• Ford ‘incredibly confident’ with dropping bi-turbo from Ranger and Everest

  19-01-2026 19:14 via drive.com.au
  Ford Australia says their change in powertrain options for 2026 was informed by customer desire for greater V6 availability.
  Ford Ranger XLT and Ford Everest trend wagon
  Ford Australia is confident in its decision to remove the bi-turbo variant of its four-cylinder diesel engine from its Ranger and Everest lineup in response to customers’ desire for V6 engines, the brand’s marketing boss says.Ford Australia’s Marketing Director Ambrose Henderson told Drive the brand was optimis
  
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• 2026 Tesla Model Y price and specs: Infotainment upgraded with no change to price

  19-01-2026 08:00 via drive.com.au
  Tesla has made a minor change to the Model Y line-up, bringing all models in line with the flagship Performance grade.
  2026 Tesla Model Y pricing and specificationsInfotainment upgraded to a 16-inch touchscreen across all gradesNo change to pricing despite added equipmentPriced from $58,900 before on-road costs
  Tesla has introduced a change to the 2026 Tesla Model Y medium SUV, which sees all grades match the flagship Performance grade when it comes to infotainment technology.The running change
  
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• 2026 Mitsubishi Triton adds two new special editions for tradies, tourers

  19-01-2026 07:04 via drive.com.au
  Two new special-edition Tritons bundle popular accessory options into packages, for up to $3000 extra.Mitsubishi has released two new special editions of the Triton, the country’s fourth best-selling ute, due in showrooms from February. The GLX-R Special Edition with Tradie Accessory Pack is aimed towards fleets and tradies, priced from $58,490 before on-road costs, a $1250 increase over the normal Triton GLX-R 4×4 dual-cab pick-up auto, at $57,240.That cost will bring side step
  
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• 2026 Chery C5 Ultimate review

  19-01-2026 05:12 via drive.com.au
  Chery’s first car back from hiatus had a bit of a false start on launch with a widely panned safety system that felt anything but safe. Now renamed the C5, the model has copped a load of attention, but is it enough for consideration?
  Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps
  2026 Chery C5 UltimateA lot has changed since the 2023 launch of the Omoda 5. So much so that
  
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• Rare Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 spotted in NZ

  19-01-2026 03:36 via autotalk.co.nz
  An ultra-rare Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 appears to have arrived in New Zealand, with images circulating online showing the multi-million-dollar supercar on a trailer at Auckland Airport. The image, uploaded to Facebook by an anonymous user, shows the car largely covered in protective plastic, but distinctive features including the butterfly doors and rear-mounted fan system […]
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• Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger not as popular among everyday Australians as it may seem

  19-01-2026 02:57 via drive.com.au
  The Ford Ranger and the Toyota HiLux place first and third respectively in overall Australian vehicle sales. However these chart-topping positions might skew your perception of who is actually buying them.Top selling positions held by the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux are underpinned by sales to businesses and government, not private buyers.Just 20 per cent of Ranger, and 24 per cent HiLux purchasers in 2025 were private buyers, with the remainder government, business, and rental buyers, the late
  
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• Chery gunning for Toyota Corolla Cross with C5 hybrid SUV

  19-01-2026 02:04 via drive.com.au
  Another hybrid SUV will be joining Chery Australia’s line-up this year, with the C5 hybrid set to expand customer options to a total of five.
  Chery C5 Hybrid SUV
  Chery Australia will roll-out a hybrid powertrain option for its C5 small SUV, designed to specifically to target high-selling petrol-electric models like the Toyota Corolla Cross and GWM Haval Jolion.The C5 hybrid will join the petrol-powered model, underpinned by a 108kW/210Nm 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder, and the all-el
  
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• 2026 Kia EV4 price and specs: Tesla Model 3, BYD Seal rival arrives in Australia

  19-01-2026 01:27 via drive.com.au
  Due in Kia showrooms later this month, the EV4 electric sedan will undercut its Tesla Model 3 rival – and compete closely on price with rear-wheel-drive versions of the BYD Seal.
  2026 Kia EV4 pricing and specificationsMedium sedan shares electric motor, batteries with the EV3Available in Air, Earth and GT-Line gradesPriced from $49,990 before on-road costs
  Kia’s rival to the Tesla Model 3, BYD Seal and Polestar 2 electric sedans has launched in Australia, as the brand’s fifth d
  
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• MotorShare adds Ferrari 488 to rental fleet

  19-01-2026 00:02 via autotalk.co.nz
  Auckland-based luxury car club MotorShare has added a Ferrari 488 to its fleet, making it the only Ferrari currently available for hire in New Zealand. MotorShare says the arrival of the Ferrari 488 marks a milestone for the local automotive market and reflects growing demand for premium, experience-led driving. The Ferrari 488 is now available […]
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