Automotive news

• Ford F-150 Lightning electric ute axed, set to return with extended-range petrol generator

  16-12-2025 05:14 via drive.com.au
  The electric Ford F-150 Lightning is dead, but the name will live on for a new generation range-extended model with a petrol generator.The Ford F-150 Lightning electric ute has been axed, but it is not disappearing entirely.Ford has confirmed the F-150 Lightning will return for a second generation as an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV), adding a petrol engine to generate electricity.Unlike a plug-in hybrid vehicle, the new F-150 Lightning’s petrol engine will not send any power direc
  
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• Ford’s revised electric car strategy will cost nearly $30 billion

  17-12-2025 07:11 via drive.com.au
  Lower-than-expected demand for electric vehicles (EVs) has caused Ford to rethink its new-model strategy, which will now focus on hybrids.
  Ford CEO Jim Farley presents the brand’s new Universal EV Platform.
  Ford has taken a step away from an all-electric automotive future, pushing hybrid and range-extenders to the fore, but costing it $US19.5 billion ($AU29.4 billion) to change course.Announced overnight, the new plan – dubbed Ford+ – walks back the brand’s previous ambit
  
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• ‘Should’ve gone to Specsavers’: Aussie driver mistakes fountain for roundabout

  17-12-2025 06:00 via drive.com.au
  Most local drivers know the roundabouts in their neighbourhoods like the back of their hand, but this motorist got a bit turned around at a shopping centre fountain.Picture: Reddit
  If you’re like me and you’re a creature of habit, driving in unfamiliar places can be frustrating, particularly when you’re visiting a shopping centre.Case in point: a driver in New South Wales has gone viral on social media after losing track of the road… literally.RELATED: How many times can
  
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• Europe finally axes 2035 ban on new petrol, diesel car sales

  17-12-2025 01:48 via drive.com.au
  After years of pressure from car makers – and slower-than-planned EV sales – the effective ban on new petrol and diesel vehicle sales in Europe from 2035 is about to be scrapped.A controversial plan set to effectively end the sales of new petrol- and diesel-powered vehicles in Europe come 2035 has been dropped amid a slower-than-forecast adoption of electric cars.The European Commission announced overnight a “pragmatic” update to the policy that will now require a reducti
  
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• 2026 Jaecoo J5 features for Australia confirmed, pricing imminent

  17-12-2025 01:00 via drive.com.au
  The Jaecoo J5 small SUV will debut in Australia as a fully electric BEV in January 2026, with hybrid and petrol versions to follow in March.The new smaller J5 SUV from Jaecoo – the higher-end sub-brand of Chinese carmaker Chery – will enter the Australian market in January 2026.The Jaecoo J5 is due to arrive first in its battery-electric (BEV) guise – in one high-spec variant called Ridge – ahead of more affordable hybrid and entry-level turbo-petrol models in mid-March 2
  
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• Petrol sold in Australia just got cleaner, at little cost to motorists

  17-12-2025 00:00 via drive.com.au
  Long-awaited changes to the quality of petrol means Australia has now caught up to the rest of the developed world, at a minor cost at the pump.
  Fuel bowsers across Australia are now dispensing cleaner petrol now on par with much of the rest of the developed world – at a negligible cost to motorists.From Monday, December 15, fuel stations across the country have been required to only sell petrol with no more than 10 parts per million of sulphur, a natural component of crude oil that leads
  
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• Drive Car of the Year 2026 – Best Seven-Seat SUV Under $90K finalists announced

  16-12-2025 23:00 via drive.com.au
  Large families take note because the finalists for Drive Car of the Year 2026 – Best Seven-Seat Under $90K category are locked in.
  Drive Car of the Year 2026The annual Drive Car of the Year awards program continues to be the Australian new car buyer’s most-trusted advisor. At Drive, we’ve never been busier in our mission to evaluate all new cars that arrive in our market. We test over 200 cars annually through reviews, comparing each against its innate promi
  
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• Drive Car of the Year 2026 – Best Seven-Seat SUV Under $60K finalists announced

  16-12-2025 23:00 via drive.com.au
  If space for as little as possible is something you are after, the finalists for Drive Car of the Year 2026 – Best Seven-Seat SUV Under $60,000 category should appeal.
  Drive Car of the Year 2026The annual Drive Car of the Year awards program continues to be the Australian new car buyer’s most-trusted advisor. At Drive, we’ve never been busier in our mission to evaluate all new cars that arrive in our market. We test over 200 cars annually through reviews, co
  
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• Drive Car of the Year 2026 – Best Medium SUV Under $90K finalists announced

  16-12-2025 23:00 via drive.com.au
  The results are in and these are the finalists for hotly-contested Drive Car of the Year 2026 – Best Medium SUV Under $90K category.
  Drive Car of the Year 2026The annual Drive Car of the Year awards program continues to be the Australian new car buyer’s most-trusted advisor. At Drive, we’ve never been busier in our mission to evaluate all new cars that arrive in our market. We test over 200 cars annually through reviews, comparing each against its innate pro
  
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• Drive Car of the Year 2026 – Best Medium SUV Under $60K finalists announced

  16-12-2025 23:00 via drive.com.au
  The finalists for Drive Car of the Year 2026 – Best Medium SUV Under $60K category are locked in. Expect a heck of a scrap in this category.
  Drive Car of the Year 2026The annual Drive Car of the Year awards program continues to be the Australian new car buyer’s most-trusted advisor. At Drive, we’ve never been busier in our mission to evaluate all new cars that arrive in our market. We test over 200 cars annually through reviews, comparing each against its in
  
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• Toyota brings eCall emergency response to New Zealand

  16-12-2025 22:56 via autotalk.co.nz
  Toyota New Zealand will introduce connected vehicle technology including eCall emergency response services with the arrival of the sixth generation RAV4 in early 2026. The Toyota Connected Services system will debut in the new RAV4 before expanding to the new generation Lexus ES sedan later in 2026, marking Toyota’s first rollout of connected vehicle capabilities […]
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• Government creates new super-ministry for cities and transport

  16-12-2025 22:55 via autotalk.co.nz
  The Government has confirmed the establishment of a new Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT), consolidating four existing agencies to deliver better coordination on housing, transport, and environmental policy. The new ministry will combine the Ministry for the Environment, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Ministry of Transport, and local government functions from […]
  The post Government creates new super-ministry for cities and transport appeared first
  
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• Avanti Finance appoints Waikato and Bay of Plenty auto manager

  16-12-2025 22:54 via autotalk.co.nz
  Avanti Finance has appointed Jessie Hutchins as Auto Relationship Manager for the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions. Hutchins brings seven years of experience across lending, banking and the automotive sector to the role. She has previously worked at Westpac and BNZ, and served as a Business Manager at Turners. Her expertise includes navigating complex […]
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• Toyota GR Yaris advertisement pulled from air as car brands lead TV ad standards breaches

  16-12-2025 22:00 via drive.com.au
  In the latest breach of the advertising code of conduct, Toyota has been forced to pull a GR Yaris ad from air as car brands continue run afoul of standards.Toyota’s recent GR Yaris advertisement has been pulled from the air, marking the 25th time an advertiser in the ‘vehicle’ category has been found to have breached advertising standards on free-to-air television since 2014.Vehicle ads lead for the most frequent breachers of advertising codes on free-to-air television, averag
  
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• 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI review

  16-12-2025 22:00 via drive.com.au
  The eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI combines performance, comfort and technology deftly in one harmonious package, and comes together in a way that outweighs the sum of its parts.
  Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps
  2026 Volkswagen Golf GTIAfter getting punched in the face by the Hyundai i30 N, the 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI is coming back swinging.Beaten by the
  
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• Ford Bronco could finally come to Australia, but not in the form you think

  16-12-2025 21:00 via drive.com.au
  Ford could finally be preparing to add the Bronco to its Australian line-up – but, in a shock twist, it may be a Chinese-made family SUV, not a hardcore ladder-frame 4WD.
  Ford Bronco EV PHEV
  The Ford Bronco finally appears to be in line for Australian showrooms, after years of speculation, denials, and sales of rivals from Toyota, Jeep, and more.But it is not the ladder-frame, petrol-powered Bronco four-wheel-drive sold in the US that is earmarked for Australia, nor the ‘soft-roader&
  
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• We ask the Drive team: What’s on your Christmas wish list?

  16-12-2025 20:00 via drive.com.au
  What do you buy a car enthusiast for Christmas? We asked the Drive team what they’re asking Santa for this year…
  For those of you who don’t know, I’m pretty new here at Drive. I started in October and, prior to jumping into the Advice hot seat, knew almost nothing about cars, other than how to drive one (and neglect its cleanliness).Two months in, and my eyes have been opened. I’ve learned obscure road rules and begun to memorise the names of many of the new brands
  
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• ‘Poor use of city space’: This Australian council wants to ban car yards

  16-12-2025 07:05 via drive.com.au
  While car yards are a common sight in Australia, one Tasmanian councillor is seeking to ban vehicle lots in favour of more housing.When you’re in the business of selling cars, you need as much space to store your inventory of new and used models.And while you might not generally blink twice at seeing car yards around Australia, a Tasmanian councillor is pushing to ban vehicle lots in the CBD to make way for more housing.RELATED: Can dealers sell repairable write-offs?According to a Decembe
  
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• Trader numbers slip below 2600 as long-term decline continues

  16-12-2025 04:40 via autotalk.co.nz
  The number of registered motor vehicle traders in New Zealand has fallen to a new low in the current dataset, dipping below the 2600 mark in November. According to the latest statistics from the Motor Vehicle Traders Register (MVTR), there were 2,595 registered traders in November 2025. This represents a slight decline from October, which recorded 2,603 […]
  The post Trader numbers slip below 2600 as long-term decline continues appeared first on Autotalk.
  
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• What is a REEV? Range Extender Electric Vehicles explained

  16-12-2025 01:35 via drive.com.au
  You might have heard the term REEV, or even EREV, used by vehicle manufacturers. We explain exactly why this technology could underpin your next new car.Hyundai’s working on one. Leapmotor already has one, Ram has a truck version in the US and Mazda keeps teasing us with the prospect of one. What is it? It’s the Range Extender Electric Vehicle (REEV), and this small niche could well achieve significant momentum here in Australia.Why? Because REEVs build on the strengths of hybrids an
  
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• FleetPartners secures fourth consecutive ToitÅ« net carbon zero certification

  16-12-2025 01:19 via autotalk.co.nz
  FleetPartners has achieved its fourth consecutive year of Toitū net carbon zero certification in New Zealand, marking continued progress in reducing emissions across its corporate operations. The certification, which includes Scope 1, Scope 2 and selected upstream Scope 3 emissions, confirms the company has met the programme’s requirements for measuring, managing and offsetting greenhouse gas […]
  The post FleetPartners secures fourth consecutive Toitū net carbon zero certi
  
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• KGM launches Torres Hybrid in NZ

  16-12-2025 01:09 via autotalk.co.nz
  KGM has introduced its first hybrid SUV to the New Zealand market, with the Torres Hybrid now on sale from $49,990 plus on-road costs. The model, aimed at the midsize SUV segment, pairs what the brand calls a rugged exterior with a hybrid system developed in partnership with BYD. Two variants are available at launch: […]
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• BYD dealers to service Denza prestige 4WDs in ‘select’ rural areas

  16-12-2025 01:00 via drive.com.au
  A handful of BYD dealers outside capital cities will be given the green light to maintain luxury Denza vehicles, for customers looking to travel Australia.
  Denza B8
  Owners of Denza B5 and B8 four-wheel-drives looking to explore the Australian outback will eventually be able to visit BYD dealers in rural areas to have their vehicles maintained.Denza – BYD’s new prestige off-shoot – will initially focus on its own dealer network, starting with four Australian showrooms across Syd
  
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• New BYD Atto 1 competitor could be Australia’s cheapest electric car in 2026

  16-12-2025 00:00 via drive.com.au
  With pricing that undercuts arch-rival BYD in its Chinese home market, this newcomer to the Australian market could become the cheapest EV in 2026.The cheap electric car market is set to get more competitive in 2026, with Geely confirming the EX2 electric hatchback for the Australian market.And it could undercut the BYD Atto 1 as Australia’s cheapest EV.The 2026 Geely EX2 is known as the  Geome Xingyuan in its home market of China, with pricing starting from 68,800 yuan – or les
  
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• Drive Car of the Year 2026 – Best Urban Car Under $60K finalists announced

  15-12-2025 23:00 via drive.com.au
  Seeking a blend of comfort, convenience, and a little splash of luxury? The finalists for Drive Car of the Year 2026 – Best Urban Car under $60,000 could be the answer you’re looking for.
  Drive Car of the Year 2026The annual Drive Car of the Year awards program continues to be the Australian new car buyer’s most-trusted advisor. At Drive, we’ve never been busier in our mission to evaluate all new cars that arrive in our market. We test over 200 cars an
  
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• Drive Car of the Year 2026 – Best Small SUV Under $90K finalists announced

  15-12-2025 23:00 via drive.com.au
  Blending premium with practicality, the finalists for Drive Car of the Year 2026 – Best Small SUV Under $90K category are locked in.
  Drive Car of the Year 2026The annual Drive Car of the Year awards program continues to be the Australian new car buyer’s most-trusted advisor. At Drive, we’ve never been busier in our mission to evaluate all new cars that arrive in our market. We test over 200 cars annually through reviews, comparing each against its innate pro
  
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• Drive Car of the Year 2026 – Best Small SUV Under $60K finalists announced

  15-12-2025 23:00 via drive.com.au
  The finalists for Drive Car of the Year 2026 – Best Small SUV Under $60K category are locked in, with last year’s winner facing a long-time favourite and a new entrant.
  Drive Car of the Year 2026The annual Drive Car of the Year awards program continues to be the Australian new car buyer’s most-trusted advisor. At Drive, we’ve never been busier in our mission to evaluate all new cars that arrive in our market. We test over 200 cars annually through revi
  
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• Drive Car of the Year 2026 – Best Luxury Car Under $150K finalists announced

  15-12-2025 23:00 via drive.com.au
  The finalists for Drive Car of the Year 2026 – Best Luxury Car Under $150K category are a lock. Big reputations, big stakes…
  Drive Car of the Year 2026The annual Drive Car of the Year awards program continues to be the Australian new car buyer’s most-trusted advisor. At Drive, we’ve never been busier in our mission to evaluate all new cars that arrive in our market. We test over 200 cars annually through reviews, comparing each against its innate prom
  
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• 2026 Kia EV6 update finally closing in on Australia, but it won’t be any cheaper

  15-12-2025 22:00 via drive.com.au
  After more than a year of delays, the upgrade for Kia’s first dedicated electric car is finally nearing Aussie roads, but it will continue to start about $14,000 dearer than a Tesla Model Y.The updated Kia EV6 electric car is finally due in Australian showrooms early in 2026 – up to 18 months behind schedule – with refreshed styling and a longer range.And there will not be a price cut, Kia has confirmed, to protect resale values for customers who purchased the outgoing EV6, whi
  
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• 2026 Volkswagen Amarok to add Dark Label edition, axe bi-turbo in V6-heavy line-up

  15-12-2025 21:00 via drive.com.au
  Bi-turbo four-cylinder power is set to be axed from the VW Amarok – mirroring its Ford Ranger sibling – in place of a new petrol variant, greater focus on V6 diesels, and a new blacked-out special edition.
  Amarok Style with new 20-inch optional wheels (European model).
  All but one variant in the consumer 2026 Volkswagen Amarok line-up are poised to use turbo-diesel V6 power – including a new Dark Label special edition – and introduce a cheaper turbo-petrol grade, dealers
  
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