Automotive news

• 2026 Tesla Model 3 v BYD Seal v MG IM5 comparison review: Performance EVs tested

  13-02-2026 02:00
  All three of these electric cars have ‘performance’ in their names and pack a punch. But which is best – and which is a true performance car that’s as good on a country road as it is around town?A decade ago, the default choice for customers in the market for a fast sedan under $80,000 was a four-door Holden or Ford – or, perhaps, HSV or FPV – with a big V8 under the bonnet.These days, the only new cars fitting that description are electric.In particular, it&r
  
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• Toyota tops reputation rankings for third consecutive year

  09-06-2026 00:43 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Toyota New Zealand has secured the top position in the Kantar Corporate Reputation Index for the third consecutive year, as New Zealanders increasingly favour brands they perceive as dependable and trustworthy during a period of economic and social uncertainty. The automotive manufacturer scored 112 in the RepZ index, ahead of PAK’nSAVE (108), which retained second […]
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• 2 Cheap Cars awards $10,000 in customer giveaway

  09-06-2026 00:38 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  2 Cheap Cars has announced the winners of its April customer promotion, which saw 10 vehicle buyers each receive a $1,000 Motor Trade Association (MTA) gift voucher. The promotion ran throughout April, with every customer who purchased a vehicle from one of the company’s 10 dealerships automatically entered into the draw. Winners spread across dealerships […]
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• Pentagon adds BYD and Nio to military blacklist

  08-06-2026 23:48 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  The US Department of Defense has added Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers BYD and Nio to its list of companies allegedly supporting the Chinese military, alongside tech giants Alibaba and Baidu. The expanded blacklist, known as 1260H, now includes 188 companies and was established under the National Defense Authorization Act 2021. According to Techcrunch.com reports, the […]
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• Toyota marks 50 years of Hilux at Fieldays

  08-06-2026 00:39 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Toyota New Zealand will celebrate 50 years of the Hilux at Fieldays this week, showcasing its latest commercial vehicles, SUVs and electrified models at Mystery Creek. The company will exhibit at Site 40 on I Road from June 10-13, with the Hilux taking centre stage as Toyota marks five decades of the ute in New […]
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• New diesel reserve storage completed at Marsden Point

  07-06-2026 23:50 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  An additional 93 million litres of diesel storage capacity has been brought into service at Marsden Point, providing New Zealand with a further nine days of diesel demand coverage. The project is part of an agreement between the Government and NZX-listed fuel import operator Channel Infrastructure, with up to $21.6 million in funding from the […]
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• VIA backs battery guideline but warns against OEM channel control

  07-06-2026 23:38 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  The Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA) has backed the development of harmonised Australia-New Zealand guidance for the safe management of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries, while warning the framework must not become a mechanism for manufacturer control over independently imported vehicles. VIA’s submission follows the Motor Industry Association’s earlier backing of the same work, which is […]
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• Ford showcases updated Ranger and Everest at Fieldays 2026

  07-06-2026 23:31 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Ford New Zealand returns to Fieldays 2026 this week with its updated 2026.5 Ranger and Everest lineup, hosting a special guest from Ford Australia to highlight the importance of the New Zealand market to the company’s global operations. The automotive manufacturer will occupy Stand I34 in the Automotive Precinct at Mystery Creek Events Centre from […]
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• The electric classic car that now drives like a 'pocket rocket'

  07-06-2026 22:37 via abc.net.au
  
  It may look like a small vintage car, but an EV conversion has brought it "up to speed" to its modern counterparts.
  
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• Vehicle arrivals ease in May after April surge

  05-06-2026 02:32 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  New Zealand imported 18,154 fully built-up vehicles in May, down from 20,268 in April but ahead of the 14,269 imported in January, according to the latest Customs motor vehicle statistics. It includes a total of 15,940 passenger cars landing on local wharves during May. That included 8115 new cars and 7825 used cars. Year-to-date, New […]
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• Ford launches vehicle conversion programme for commercial customers

  05-06-2026 02:24 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Ford New Zealand has launched a new Ford Pro Convertor programme designed to provide commercial and fleet customers with certified vehicle conversions tailored to specific industries. The programme connects customers with Ford-approved conversion specialists capable of carrying out modifications for sectors including utilities, construction, emergency services, forestry and recreational overlanding. At launch, the programme includes […]
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• Miles Kia unveils refreshed branding

  05-06-2026 01:00 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Miles Kia has completed a dealership rebrand, introducing Kia’s latest corporate identity and refreshed exterior design at its Christchurch site. The dealership’s updated look features Kia’s current logo and new black branding elements, reflecting the manufacturer’s global brand direction. Located on Moorhouse Ave, the dealership continues to operate from the same location, with the rebrand […]
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• ComCom files charges against BP over pricing claims

  05-06-2026 00:26 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  The Commerce Commission is taking BP Oil New Zealand to court, alleging the fuel retailer failed to provide customers with advertised discounts and charged incorrect prices at BP Connect service stations. Charges will be filed in the Auckland District Court under the Fair Trading Act. Commerce Commission deputy chair Anne Callinan says consumers should be […]
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• Motor vehicle retailer liquidations jump 53%

  05-06-2026 00:05 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts retailers are facing continued pressure, with company liquidations jumping 53% year-on-year despite stronger credit demand and fewer defaults, according to Centrix’s latest Credit Indicator report. The sector recorded an 18% increase in credit demand over the past year and a 15% reduction in defaults, but still experienced one of […]
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• Plug-in vehicle demand drives May registration growth

  04-06-2026 03:30 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  New vehicle registrations increased by over 1000 units in May compared with the same period last year, with strong demand for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) helping drive growth in the passenger vehicle market. A total of 11,294 new vehicles were registered during the month, up from 10,226 in May 2025. Year-to-date […]
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• MIA backs ‘harmonised’ lithium-ion battery guidelines

  04-06-2026 02:12 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  The Motor Industry Association (MIA) has backed plans for “harmonised” Australia-New Zealand guidelines for the safe management of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries, while calling for greater recognition of New Zealand’s conditions and the automotive sector’s existing recycling pathways. The submission was made to EPA Victoria, which is leading consultation on behalf of the Heads of Environmental […]
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• Custom Fleet strengthens ties with mobility technology firm Carbn

  04-06-2026 01:48 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Custom Fleet has strengthened its partnership with mobility technology company Carbn Group, with Carbn becoming a subsidiary of the fleet management provider. The move brings the two businesses into the same corporate group, enabling closer collaboration across fleet management, technology and data services in Australia and New Zealand. Custom Fleet president Chris Tulloch says the […]
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• MTF Finance strengthens leadership with key appointments

  04-06-2026 01:26 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  MTF Finance has appointed two experienced financial services executives to its leadership team as the company continues investing in its next phase of growth. Laurette Lane joins as Chief Credit Officer while Joe Bond has been appointed Chief Commercial Officer, bringing more than four decades of combined experience across New Zealand’s finance, automotive and banking […]
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• Electrified vehicles make up 46% of Australian new vehicle sales

  03-06-2026 06:36 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Electrified vehicles accounted for 46% of all new vehicle sales in Australia during May, with battery electric vehicles reaching a record 20% market share, according to the latest VFACTS data. Australians purchased 100,206 new vehicles during the month, down 4.8% compared with May 2025, but demand for battery electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid models continued […]
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• Collector car market remains strong as sales top $44m

  03-06-2026 05:50 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Australasia’s collector car market remains on a solid footing, with online auction platform Collecting Cars recording more than NZ$44.9 million in sales so far this year. The company sold more than 70 vehicles during May, generating more than NZ$6 million in sales and matching its year-to-date performance from the same period in 2025. The average […]
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• Electric Hilux and new Subaru EVs earn five-star ANCAP ratings

  03-06-2026 03:32 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  The battery-electric Toyota Hilux, Subaru Trailseeker and Subaru Uncharted have achieved five-star ANCAP safety ratings, while the BMW 1 Series and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe have been awarded four stars. The Toyota Hilux BEV joins its diesel counterparts with a five-star rating after ANCAP conducted additional frontal offset and oblique pole crash tests to […]
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• Delayed diagnosis leaves former car dealer with terminal cancer

  02-06-2026 23:57 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  A former Hastings car dealer says a delayed colonoscopy and a series of treatment errors contributed to his cancer progressing to a terminal stage. Steve McKinnon was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer after a colonoscopy that was delayed by 14 months. Subsequent delays, miscommunication and treatment issues followed, he told Hawke’s Bay Today. The […]
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• Young apprentices rebuild car to support Māori and Pasifika rangatahi

  02-06-2026 23:33 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Three young Māori and Pasifika motor apprentices have rebuilt a damaged Toyota Aqua that has been donated to the InZone Education Foundation to help rangatahi stay connected to their education. The refurbished vehicle will support students travelling to and from school and taking part in related activities, while also providing a safe way for them […]
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• Global collision repair network Fix Auto launches in New Zealand

  02-06-2026 23:04 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  International collision repair network Fix Network has expanded into New Zealand with the opening of its first Fix Auto location, marking the Canadian company’s entry into its 10th global market. Fix Auto Penrose, located in Auckland, represents the brand’s strategic expansion beyond its established presence across North America, Europe, and other international markets. The global […]
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• Used import market held steady in May as passenger volumes eased

  02-06-2026 02:24 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  The used import market was broadly flat in May, with 7,541 registrations, down 0.7% on the same month last year. Used passenger registrations eased 1.5% to 7,167, while the smaller used commercial segment lifted 15.4% to 374. A year earlier the two segments recorded 7,273 and 324 respectively. The result left used passenger registrations 4.5% […]
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• New vehicle market climbed 18% in May as Tesla and BYD surged back

  02-06-2026 02:13 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  New vehicle registrations climbed 18.1% in May, with 11,296 units hitting the road as the passenger market posted its strongest May result since 2022. The month delivered 8,175 passenger registrations, up 20% on the 6,815 recorded in May last year. Commercial registrations reached 3,121, up 13.4% on 2,753 a year earlier. It was the fifth […]
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• BYD NZ says car data stays in Australia, not China

  02-06-2026 00:02 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  BYD New Zealand says personal data from its connected vehicles is limited to a vehicle identification number and email address, stored on Australian servers rather than being sent to China. BYD Auto NZ general manager Warren Willmot addressed data privacy concerns during a company livestream designed to explain data collection practices to fleet operators and […]
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• Heartland to acquire TSB for $620 million in challenger bank merger

  01-06-2026 23:57 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Heartland Group Holdings has agreed to acquire TSB Bank for $620 million to create New Zealand’s seventh largest bank, combining TSB’s everyday banking services with Heartland’s specialist lending expertise. The merger will form TSB Heartland Bank Limited, bringing together Heartland Bank’s specialist product portfolio with TSB’s cost-effective funding platform and transactional banking capabilities. Heartland’s specialist […]
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• BMW sends off current M3 with ultra-limited CS manual Australia can’t have

  24-05-2026 04:47
  The sixth-generation BMW M3 will depart international showrooms with a six-speed manual version of the track-focused CS, but it’s sad news for anyone not in the US.
  BMW will farewell the current M3 sports sedan with a driver-focused, limited-edition CS Handschalter that pairs the lightweight grade with a six-speed manual for the first time.The manual-only, rear-wheel-drive, specially-tuned version of the M3 is expected to be the last new addition to the line-up before the next-generation m
  
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• Hyundai offers drive-away deals on petrol and hybrid models

  24-05-2026 01:48
  Close to $6000 can be saved from the drive-away price of select Hyundai models until the end of the month, with some of the brand’s most popular models included.
  Hyundai is currently offering a number of deals on its petrol and hybrid models, offering drive-away pricing across the Kona, Santa Fe, and Tucson SUVs, as well as the i30 Sedan and i30 hatch.All deals are available until 31 May, unless changed or extended, and while stocks last.Discounts also vary model by model, state by state,
  
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