Automotive news

• Audi says performance models are still a priority for Australia

  23-05-2026 02:10
  Following the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) coming into effect, Audi says it’s still keen to continue supplying performance options to Australia.Despite the implementation of stringent New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) rules, Audi Australia says it’s still committed to supplying performance versions of its popular models.“We’re very much enthusiasts. We have our finger on the pulse in terms of the market. From what we can see and the feedback we’re get
  
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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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• 2026 Mercedes-Benz E200 review

  24-05-2026 00:00
  Full-size dimensions on the outside, but with a pared-back engine under the bonnet. Does the Mercedes-Benz E200 compromise on luxury expectations?
  Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps
  2026 Mercedes-Benz E200How low can you go within the range of a premium automaker before the product stops feeling premium?The harsh reality is, every car has a base model. In the case o
  
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• Japanese car brands are losing ground to the Chinese marques like BYD, MG, and Chery

  23-05-2026 22:50
  All but one of the Japanese car brands have decreased their sales share so far this year, while Chinese cars continue to rise in popularity.
  China has become a dominate force in the new-car market with brands like BYD, Chery, MG, and GWM solidifying their presence in Australia this year.But, with a market cap of around 1.1-1.2 million new vehicles sold per year, the growth of Chinese brands means they are stealing share away from existing players.And it is becoming clear exactly who is losing ou
  
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• Ford F-150 Lightning reappears for sale after conversion firm goes under

  23-05-2026 07:47
  After the local Australian remanufacturer of the Ford F-150 Lightning went under, some of its electric utes are now for sale.The final fate of excess right-hand drive converted F-150 lightnings from AusEV has been revealed, as they appear for sale online from a major car dealer.AusEV, which had been converting the US-built electric F-150 Lightnings to right-hand drive (RHD), went into administration in March, alongside other related businesses under its parent company, BOSSCAP Group Pty Ltd.&nbs
  
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• Volkswagen Tiguan and Tayron eHybrids get discounted EOFY launch pricing

  23-05-2026 05:10
  Volkswagen Tiguan and Tayron mid-size and large SUVs spearhead the German brand’s long-awaited plug-in hybrid push with sharp EOFY pricing.Volkswagen has launched its long-awaited play for the mainstream plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) market in Australia with the local launch of its new Tiguan and Tayron eHybrid SUVs.Spearheading the German brand’s electrified push is a set of End of Financial Year (EOFY) drive-away offers valid until 30 June 2026.The medium Tiguan 150TSI eHy
  
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• Hyundai tested new, larger i30 N engine at this year’s Nurburgring 24 Hour

  22-05-2026 22:52
  The next-gen i30 N engine is nearing production, with prototype versions undergoing heavy stress testing at the Nurburgring 24-Hour race.Hyundai Elantra N1 RPHyundai’s next-generation i30 N powertrain, although not yet revealed, has just completed a gruelling endurance test at the Nurburgring 24-Hour race.Speaking to Drive at the finish line, Hyundai N boss Joon Woo Park said the team had pushed hard to get the new engines ready for the world-famous race.“This attempt, right here, we
  
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• Can you get fined for blasting music from your car?

  22-05-2026 22:00
  Many Aussies have no doubt cranked the tunes while driving – but how loud is too loud, and can you get fined for it?
  Picture this: it’s a sunny day – not too hot, about 22 degrees – and you’re driving down a tree-lined, picturesque street, when an epic song comes on the radio. You can’t help it, before you know it, the volume is at 11 and you even consider winding the windows down so others can partake in your unbridled joy.RELATED: Are regular drivers al
  
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• Best EOFY car sales in 2026

  22-05-2026 08:42
  With so much market uncertainty this year, major car brands are willing to discount tens of thousands of dollars in 2026 end-of-financial-year sales.The Australian new-car market landscape is shifting quickly thanks to the rise of Chinese brands, fluctuating fuel prices, and rising cost of living pressures.Put another way: car brands are working harder than ever for a sale, but that also means buyers can secure a great deal on a new set of wheels – especially in the lead up to the 2026 end
  
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• Charging desert: Why these Aussie cities are failing EV owners

  22-05-2026 08:00
  As EVs become a permanent fixture in Australia, new data has revealed which cities are falling behind on infrastructure support.It’s safe to say electric cars have become a common fixture on Australian roads in the past few years.Australia’s EV adoption accelerated in 2026, particularly during the Middle Eastern conflict, when petrol prices skyrocketed and highlighted the benefits of owning battery-powered cars.
  RELATED: ‘My car will have paid itself off’: How these Aussi
  
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• Carbn Group acquires Mevo to relaunch Wellington car-sharing

  22-05-2026 04:51 via autotalk.co.nz
  Carbn Group Holdings has acquired the brand and assets of collapsed car-sharing operator Mevo, with plans to relaunch free-floating car-sharing services initially in Wellington. The acquisition comes just weeks after Mevo entered voluntary administration in March, despite completing a $3.28 million crowdfunding raise through Snowball Effect that had exceeded its $2.2 million target. Carbn Group […]
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• Revealed: The car parts Australian police target roadside

  22-05-2026 04:00
  As various road authorities crack down on hoons in Australia, state police are targeting these specific car parts during roadside patrols.
  When you’re driving on Aussie roads, there are few things more stress-inducing than seeing Highway Patrol creep up in your rear mirror. In 2026, numerous state police have already ramped up their road surveillance duties by enforcing safety blitzes tackling hoon drivers.The NSW Highway Patrol unit conducted a two-day operation between 15 and 16 May 2026
  
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• Nismo dealership to open in Australia, offering Skyline GT-R restoration support

  22-05-2026 03:20
  Nismo has expanded its services outside of Japan to Australia as a means of factory support for restoration of historic Nissan Skyline GT-R models.Victoria will become home to one of the first Nismo Performance Centres outside of Japan with the Nissan-backed plan to open a dealership off the back of Nissan Ferntree Gully.Following in the footsteps and backed by the Omri Factory in Yokohama, Japan, the Ferntree Gully centre will focus solely on the restoration, restomod, and part supply of R32, R
  
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• Renault Captur return to Australia ‘doesn’t make sense’

  22-05-2026 02:14
  There is only space for so many small SUVs in one showroom, according to Renault – and Mitsubishi selling a rebadged version of its Captur is not a reason for its Australian exit.
  A facelifted Renault Captur brought to Australia for testing.
  The arrival of the budget-focused Renault Duster and hybridised Symbioz has squeezed out a return of the city-sized Captur in Australia, according to the French car brand.Australian stock of the Captur sold out in late 2024, as part of what was intende
  
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• Tower reports $36.8m underlying profit in tougher first half

  22-05-2026 00:59 via autotalk.co.nz
  Tower Limited has reported an underlying net profit after tax of $36.8 million for the six months ending March 31, as rising motor and weather-related claims offset customer and policy growth. The dual-listed New Zealand insurer’s reported profit was $22.9m, while gross written premium (GWP) increased 1% to $301m and customer numbers rose 5% year-on-year […]
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