Automotive news

• Scrappage scheme, trades fund headline MTA election manifesto

  01-07-2026 22:22 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  The Motor Trade Association is calling for a $2000 vehicle scrappage incentive, a new National Trades Training Fund and a delay to the second phase of Warrant of Fitness reform in its election year manifesto, launched at Parliament last night. The Road to Prosperity sets out 20 calls for the next government across four priority […]
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• MIA launches new automotive data platform

  02-07-2026 01:58 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  The Motor Industry Association (MIA) has launched a new data platform designed to modernise the way new vehicle sales information is managed and reported in New Zealand. Developed in partnership with InfoAgent, the MIA DataHub provides a secure platform for new vehicle sales reporting while giving members improved access to industry reporting tools and data. […]
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• MITO updates collision repair training programmes

  01-07-2026 23:41 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  MITO has launched a suite of new and updated training programmes for New Zealand’s automotive collision repair and refinishing sectors following consultation with industry. The revised programmes span entry-level through to advanced qualifications and are designed to provide clearer training pathways while better reflecting the needs of modern workshops. Among the changes is the separation […]
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• Armstrong’s launches nationwide finance brokerage

  01-07-2026 23:02 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Armstrong's has expanded beyond vehicle retailing with the launch of Armstrong's Finance, a standalone finance brokerage offering lending solutions across a range of personal and business finance products.
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• Inchcape to end KGM distribution in New Zealand

  01-07-2026 05:50 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Inchcape is ending its distribution agreement for the KGM brand in New Zealand, with a final date to be confirmed after a transition period. The distributor says the decision is a joint one reached with OEM partner KGM, following a review of its local brand portfolio. “As part of Inchcape’s standard approach to portfolio management, […]
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• Four SUVs earn five-star ANCAP safety ratings

  01-07-2026 04:49 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Four SUVs spanning mainstream, electric and premium segments have been awarded five-star ANCAP safety ratings under the independent safety body’s latest testing programme. The Mazda CX-5, MG MGS6 EV, BMW X3 and Cupra Formentor all achieved the top rating under ANCAP’s 2023-2025 assessment criteria. ANCAP chief executive Carla Hoorweg says the results demonstrate buyers have […]
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• Firefighters train for complex vehicle rescues

  01-07-2026 02:41 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  More than 110 firefighters from across New Zealand gathered in Feilding to test their rescue skills in the annual United Fire Brigades’ Association (UFBA) Road Crash Rescue Challenge. Held over three days, the event saw crews tackle complex, timed crash scenarios designed to replicate serious road accidents, including overturned vehicles, unstable hazards and trapped occupants. […]
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• Forthing NZ grows network with two new dealer partners

  01-07-2026 00:16 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Forthing NZ is expanding its authorised dealer and service network with the addition of Winger Motors on Auckland’s North Shore and Ebbetts in Tauranga, both effective July 1, 2026. The two new partners bring the brand’s total New Zealand dealer count to six, following its April 2026 market entry. The existing network comprises Forthing Central […]
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• Tesla Model Y tops the board as new market climbs 13.4% in June

  30-06-2026 21:56 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  New vehicle registrations rose to 13,440 units in June 2026, a 13.4% increase on the 11,851 recorded in the same month last year. The gain was driven entirely by the passenger and SUV segment, which lifted 20.9% to 9963 units. The new commercial segment eased 3.7% to 3477, from 3612 a year earlier. The result […]
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• Used import registrations lift 12.9% in June as Tesla surges

  30-06-2026 21:50 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Used import registrations rose to 7999 units in June 2026, a 12.9% increase on the 7083 recorded in the same month last year. It is the sixth consecutive month of year-on-year growth for the segment. Passenger volumes accounted for the bulk of the total, with 7567 registrations, up 11.1% year-on-year. The smaller used commercial segment […]
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• Welcome to the latest issue of AutoTalk

  30-06-2026 02:36 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  In the latest issue of AutoTalk we bring you our coverage from Fieldays, where the automotive industry was once again out in force as attendance rose on the back of renewed confidence in the rural economy. We report on the Government’s Clean Vehicle Standard review reaching a critical milestone, with officials presenting Stage 1 findings to […]
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• BYD Auto NZ adds six dealerships to national network

  30-06-2026 00:33 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  BYD Auto NZ has announced the addition of six new authorised dealerships to its national network, expanding its physical presence across both metropolitan and regional New Zealand as demand for new energy vehicles (NEVs) continues to grow. The expansion brings the total number of BYD showrooms nationwide to 25, up from the current 19. The […]
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• Electrifying vehicles and home could save households $3,000 a year, report finds

  29-06-2026 01:02 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  New Zealand households could save around $3,000 a year after financing costs by switching to electric vehicles, replacing fossil fuel appliances with electric alternatives and installing rooftop solar and battery storage, according to a new report by Rewiring Aotearoa. The independent charity’s Electric Homes & Vehicles report, authored by Josh Ellison, Jenny Sahng, Nicole Kirkham, […]
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• Turners sees industry consolidation driving growth opportunities

  28-06-2026 23:39 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Turners Automotive Group expects accelerating consolidation across New Zealand’s automotive retail sector to create further growth opportunities, with the company positioning itself to gain market share as smaller dealers face rising compliance costs, increasing digital investment requirements and tougher trading conditions. That’s one of the key themes covered in Turners’ 2026 annual report, which provides […]
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• Lexus of Auckland City appoints Derek Bennett as CEO

  28-06-2026 22:59 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Lexus of Auckland City has appointed experienced automotive executive Derek Bennett as chief executive as the brand prepares for a new phase of growth in New Zealand. Bennett brings more than 25 years of premium and luxury automotive experience in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, including senior roles with BMW, MINI, Bentley and Bugatti. […]
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• 2 Cheap Cars annual report highlights network changes, EV growth

  26-06-2026 01:50 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  2 Cheap Cars Group has released its 2026 annual report, highlighting the continued growth of hybrid and electric vehicles sales in FY26. The NZX-listed used vehicle retailer delivered net profit after tax of $3.2 million for the year ended March 31, in line with guidance issued in January, despite a challenging used vehicle market marked […]
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• Honda Store Whangārei closes dealership

  25-06-2026 23:47 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Honda Store Whangārei has confirmed it is no longer part of Honda New Zealand’s authorised dealer network following the closure of the dealership on June 19. Honda New Zealand has implemented interim measures to support customers in the Northland region, with enquiries being handled through its customer care team while alternative servicing arrangements are put […]
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• Tesla brings Full Self-Driving v14 to New Zealand

  25-06-2026 21:57 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Tesla has begun rolling out version 14 of its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software to New Zealand, marking the biggest update to the system since it launched locally in September 2025. The new build, v14.3.3, arrives as part of vehicle software update 2026.16.6. Compatible cars began receiving it on Friday 19 June, with Tesla confirming the […]
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• THL receives another takeover bid

  25-06-2026 02:28 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Tourism Holdings Ltd (THL) has received an additional takeover offer, with a strategic buyer offering between $3.30 and $3.40 a share for the campervan and tourism operator, valuing the company at around NZ$750 million. The non-binding indicative offer (NBIO) is for 100% of the company’s shares while no detail is given by the board as […]
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• EROAD bets on ‘reset’ phase

  25-06-2026 01:34 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  EROAD has unveiled a sweeping turnaround strategy centred on New Zealand and Australia, signalling a reset of the business following a difficult period marked by a major North American write-down and governance upheaval. Speaking at the company’s annual shareholder meeting on Wednesday, executive chair John Scott said the publicly listed telematics provider had entered a […]
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• Former car dealer sentenced over $11m illegal online lottery

  24-06-2026 04:24 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  A Christchurch man who operated what authorities describe as New Zealand's largest illegal online lottery has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 250 hours of community work.
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• Kiwi automotive AI company Partly relocates headquarters to Texas after $88m raise

  24-06-2026 01:54 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  New Zealand-founded automotive AI company Partly is relocating its headquarters to Austin, Texas, after securing a US$50 million (NZ$88m) Series B funding round led by DST Global Partners.
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• Zenobē secures $400m to accelerate fleet electrification across Australia and NZ

  23-06-2026 08:47 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  UK-based fleet electrification specialist Zenobē has secured a A$400 million (NZ$488m) financing facility aimed at accelerating the rollout of zero-emission heavy vehicle fleets across Australia and New Zealand. The debt facility, backed by a syndicate of international banks, is believed to be the first integrated multi-site heavy vehicle fleet electrification financing platform established in Australia and […]
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• Eagers’ Karmo investment set to expand easyauto123 vehicle pipeline

  23-06-2026 06:27 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Eagers Automotive’s proposed investment in Australian vehicle subscription provider Karmo is expected to strengthen vehicle sourcing and remarketing opportunities for easyauto123 as the group expands its presence across the broader mobility sector. The ASX-listed automotive retailer recently announced plans to acquire a 17.5% minority stake in Karmo, Australia’s largest vehicle subscription business, with the transaction […]
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• Ford New Zealand extends roadside cover and launches pre-paid service plans

  23-06-2026 06:02 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Ford New Zealand has launched a new customer care package that extends standard Roadside Assistance coverage from three to five years for all new vehicles purchased from 1 June 2026. The changes form part of the company’s broader ‘Servitization’ strategy, which aims to integrate maintenance, warranty, and vehicle personalisation into a single ownership experience. Alongside […]
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• LDV New Zealand signs major partnership with Northland Rugby

  23-06-2026 01:59 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  LDV New Zealand has announced a major commercial partnership with Northland Rugby Union, with the brand set to feature on the front of both the Northland Taniwha and Northland Kauri jerseys from the 2026 season. The agreement, described by Northland Rugby as one of the most significant in the union’s history, builds on an existing […]
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• Vehicle dealers urged to watch for money laundering red flags

  23-06-2026 01:47 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has released new guidance for high-value dealers — including those selling vehicles — on how to identify and report suspicious activity linked to money laundering and terrorism financing. The Suspicious Activity Reporting Guidance for High-Value Dealers outlines when and how businesses should file reports, common indicators of suspicious activity, […]
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• Dealer recounts ‘horrendous’ SH1 crash

  23-06-2026 01:40 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Prominent Palmerston North car dealer and speedway promoter Bruce Robertson has described a fatal crash on State Highway 1 near Hunterville as “horrendous” after surviving the collision over the weekend.
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• Xpeng backs right-to-repair scheme

  23-06-2026 01:00 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Xpeng Australia has reaffirmed its support for right-to-repair legislation, confirming it is working with the Australian Automotive Service and Repair Authority (AASRA) to support the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme (MVIS). The scheme, which came into effect in 2022, requires vehicle manufacturers to provide independent repairers with access to eligible service and […]
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• JLR expands hybrid plans and targets North American growth

  22-06-2026 06:03 via autotalk.co.nz
  
  Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has outlined plans to drive double-digit revenue growth by expanding propulsion choices across its vehicle range and increasing its focus on the North American market.
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