Automotive news

• RV dealership downsizes as market slows

  30-07-2026 00:52 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  One of New Zealand’s largest privately owned recreational vehicle dealerships is downsizing its operations amid challenging market conditions. Mount Maunganui-based RV Mega is closing its vehicle sales yard, reducing staff and relocating to a smaller site as it looks to reduce costs, the New Zealand Herald reports. The business will continue operating its workshop and […]
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• AUT researchers develop AI tool to reinvent gear system design

  30-07-2026 05:50 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Researchers at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) are developing an artificial intelligence-powered design tool they say could transform the way mechanical gear systems are created. The project aims to overcome a long-standing limitation in mechanical engineering, where existing software can analyse and optimise gear designs but cannot generate entirely new concepts. Associate Professor Michael Gschwendtner, […]
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• Volkswagen’s Brand Group Core lifts first-half profit despite global headwinds

  30-07-2026 04:16 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Volkswagen Group's Brand Group Core has reported stronger first-half earnings for 2026 despite continued pressure from US import tariffs, geopolitical uncertainty and intensifying global competition.
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• BMW builds 50,000th all-electric iX3 in nine months

  30-07-2026 03:51 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  BMW Group’s new Debrecen plant in Hungary has produced its 50,000th BMW iX3, reaching the milestone just nine months after series production began. The achievement marks the fastest production ramp-up at a new BMW Group plant and reflects strong global demand for the all-electric BMW iX3, the first production model based on the company’s Neue […]
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• Officials expect petrol prices to fall under eRUC system

  30-07-2026 01:39 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Prices at the pump are expected to fall as New Zealand transitions from fuel excise duty to a nationwide electronic road user charges (RUC) system, according to reports. An April briefing from officials to Transport Minister Chris Bishop, obtained by Newstalk ZB under the Official Information Act, outlines plans to replace fuel excise duty with […]
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• New appointments to NZTA board

  29-07-2026 00:46 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Transport Minister Chris Bishop has announced the reappointment of David Smol and the appointments of Lana Stockman, Steve Haszard and Murdo Beattie to the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) board. Smol has been reappointed for a two-year term through to July 31, 2028, while Stockman, Haszard and Beattie have each been appointed for three-year terms […]
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• Skoda extends New Zealand Police fleet partnership

  28-07-2026 02:58 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Skoda New Zealand has extended its fleet partnership with New Zealand Police, continuing a collaboration that began four years ago. The renewed agreement will see Skoda continue supplying frontline patrol vehicles, with the company saying the partnership reflects a shared commitment to providing vehicles designed for the demands of frontline policing. The Skoda Superb Prime […]
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• Drive Electric urges Government to retain Clean Car Standard

  28-07-2026 00:43 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Drive Electric is urging the Government to retain and strengthen the Clean Car Standard (CCS), saying the policy is essential to improving New Zealand's energy security and supporting the transition to lower-emission vehicles.
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• Teletrac Navman launches Energy Hub for mixed-energy fleets

  28-07-2026 00:16 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Teletrac Navman has launched Energy Hub, a new feature within its TN360 fleet management platform designed to give operators a single view of energy use across mixed-energy fleets. The solution combines electric vehicle charging data with traditional fuel information, allowing businesses to monitor petrol, diesel and alternative energy sources through one platform. Teletrac Navman says […]
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• Trump tips the balance towards China in trade war

  27-07-2026 20:46 via abc.net.au
  
  China has the market sewn up in everything from solar panels to battery manufacturing and wind turbines. And now it is challenging America's commanding role in technology.
  
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• 2 Cheap Cars directors back Sena takeover

  27-07-2026 05:36 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  The independent directors of 2 Cheap Cars Group are unanimously recommending shareholders accept a full takeover offer from majority owner Sena & Co, with offer documents and the target company statement now going out to shareholders. Sena & Co, the investment vehicle of 2 Cheap Cars founder and chief executive David Sena, is offering $0.80 […]
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• THL lifts FY26 earnings guidance

  27-07-2026 02:33 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  THL has upgraded its FY26 earnings guidance after stronger-than-expected trading and vehicle sales lifted performance in the final weeks of the financial year. The company now expects underlying net profit after tax from continuing operations of about $46 million for the year ended June 30, up from its previous guidance of $40m-$43m. The improved outlook […]
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• Tesla Cybercab spotted driving near Cardrona

  27-07-2026 01:06 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Tesla's Cybercab has been photographed driving on a New Zealand public road for the first time, with images posted online showing the autonomous two-seater near Cardrona Valley Road.
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• AA releases 2026 Election Calls

  27-07-2026 01:02 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  The New Zealand Automobile Association (AA) has unveiled five transport priorities it wants the next Government to adopt following the 2026 General Election, focusing on safer roads, smarter spending and a more reliable transport network.
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• Audi RS 5 launch celebrated at Ebbett Audi

  27-07-2026 00:25 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Ebbett Audi recently welcomed more than 50 RS enthusiasts and customers to celebrate the official launch of the new Audi RS 5 at a special event showcasing the performance heritage and future of Audi's renowned RS range.
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• Stellantis appoints new China and Asia-Pacific chief

  27-07-2026 00:01 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Stellantis has appointed Tianshu Xin to lead its China and Asia-Pacific region as the global automotive group reshuffles its senior leadership team to strengthen operations. The appointment, effective August 3, sees Xin report directly to Stellantis chief executive Antonio Filosa and join the Stellantis Leadership Team. He succeeds Grégoire Olivier, who has been appointed strategic […]
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• Smart charger rules take shape as EECA opens consultation

  23-07-2026 22:56 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  New Zealand’s first mandatory smart charging rules are a step closer, with EECA releasing a consultation paper on proposed technical requirements for EV chargers supplied here. The Government agreed in April 2025 to regulate EV chargers for energy flexibility and labelling, and EECA is now seeking industry feedback on how the rules should work in […]
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• Bishop questions lower NZTA performance targets

  23-07-2026 22:42 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Transport Minister Chris Bishop raised concerns about reduced performance targets proposed by NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), but the agency’s board chose to leave them unchanged, according to reporting by the New Zealand Herald. The Herald reports Bishop wrote to NZTA board chair Simon Bridges in May expressing concern that several draft 2026/27 targets were less […]
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• How China won the car wars

  23-07-2026 20:46 via abc.net.au
  
  In June, a bulk carrier made an unprecedented delivery of EVs to Australia, sounding an ominous warning to the world's automakers.
  
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• Automakers in shock as China takes over

  23-07-2026 20:46 via abc.net.au
  
  In June, a bulk carrier made an unprecedented delivery of EVs to Australia, sounding an ominous warning to the world's automakers.
  
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• Inchcape to end LDV distribution in NZ

  23-07-2026 05:22 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Inchcape will cease distributing LDV vehicles in New Zealand, with the company confirming it will end its partnership with the Chinese-owned brand following a transition period. The final date for the handover has yet to be confirmed. In a statement, Inchcape said the move followed a review of its brand portfolio as part of its […]
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• Video: XPeng lays out model plan for NZ

  23-07-2026 04:08 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  XPeng will launch five models across Australia and New Zealand within six months, with the G9L large SUV and a new model badged L05 joining the G6, X9 and L03 on the local roadmap. The brand has also committed to bringing its most advanced driver assistance technology here, with its VLA 2.0-powered Navigation Guided Pilot […]
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• District Court orders Opel dealer to refund buyer

  23-07-2026 03:24 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  The District Court has overturned a Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal decision, ruling that a Nelson woman was entitled to reject her new Opel Mokka-e under the Consumer Guarantees Act and ordering the dealer to refund the full purchase price plus interest. In a judgment released on July 9, District Court Judge S.M. Harrop allowed Julie […]
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• Tesla misses profit expectations despite revenue surge

  23-07-2026 00:56 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Tesla reported mixed second-quarter financial results, missing profit expectations despite posting stronger-than-expected revenue as the company continues to ramp up spending on artificial intelligence, robotics and autonomous vehicles. Revenue rose 26% year-on-year to US$28.24 billion, ahead of Bloomberg consensus forecasts of US$26.32b. However, adjusted earnings per share came in at US$0.33, well below the US$0.50 […]
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• Ford NZ drives into Auckland FC partnership

  23-07-2026 00:29 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Ford New Zealand has been named the Official Vehicle Partner of Auckland FC, extending its support of football in New Zealand through a new partnership with the reigning A-League Men premiers. As part of the agreement, Ford will supply the club with a fleet of vehicles to support its day-to-day operations, helping transport players, staff […]
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• Recycled tyres feature in NZ team’s Glasgow Games uniform

  22-07-2026 02:19 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  The New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) has unveiled the official uniform for the New Zealand team heading to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with recycled car tyres among the materials used in the podium kit.
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• Toyota names Evnex as official EV charging partner

  22-07-2026 00:30 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Toyota New Zealand has partnered with Christchurch-based EV charger manufacturer Evnex as its official supplier of home charging solutions, supporting the expansion of its growing battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle range. The partnership follows a review of the EV charging market and comes as Toyota more than doubles its electrified vehicle lineup this year […]
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• Petrol and diesel prices drive inflation above RBNZ target

  22-07-2026 00:20 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Surging petrol and diesel prices pushed annual inflation to 4.1% in the June 2026 quarter, taking it back above the Reserve Bank’s 1-3% target range. Figures released by Stats NZ show the Consumers Price Index (CPI) rose 4.1% in the 12 months to June, up from 3.1% in the year to March. Petrol prices increased […]
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• China's EV Revolution

  21-07-2026 12:00 via abc.net.au
  
  In China, an electric revolution is taking place. Across the country, electric cars we might consider luxury are now standard issue. China has invested billions to produce smarter and cheaper EVs, dominating the global market.  
  
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• Giltrap Group to end Kia North Shore representation

  21-07-2026 01:20 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Giltrap Group is set to end its representation of the Kia brand on Auckland’s North Shore bringing a 17-year partnership to a close as part of a change in business strategy. The company confirmed Kia North Shore will continue operating as an authorised Kia dealer until October 15, 2026, after which a new authorised representative […]
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