The collectors’ market for the few petrol-powered performance cars that don’t cost the earth is heating up as ever tightening emissions regulations move automotive companies towards an electric future. One such recent example is the limited edition Subaru Saigo WRX STI, 20 of which landed in New Zealand last year. Saigo can mean both ‘most recent’ and ‘final’ in … [Read more...] about $100,000 for go-fast Subaru that year ago sold new for $67,990
Saying quiet part out loud: exhaust tax a double whammy
The Coalition Government’s upcoming tax take on fossil-fuelled light vehicles is a double whammy, in that it will penalise both suppliers and buyers of new and used imported models. There is a part one and a part two. The Clean Car Discount (CCD) is part one and affects the retail market only – car buyers. The Clean Car Standard (CCS) is part two and effects the wholesale … [Read more...] about Saying quiet part out loud: exhaust tax a double whammy
Gone in 60 seconds … thieves cash in on precious exhaust metals
This is a repeat of a story on these pages a year ago. Gains new significance a year on ... What price rhodium now? It’s a practice that has been going on in New Zealand for decades – sawing off the catalytic converters in the exhaust system of cars to boost the power of the engine, if only marginally. But now the process has brought in the cops, including America’s FBI … [Read more...] about Gone in 60 seconds … thieves cash in on precious exhaust metals
Speed cameras to quadruple as part of road safety campaign
The Coalition Government is planning to grow by four times the number of fixed speed cameras on New Zealand roads, adding more than 600 to the 190 or so in operation now, says a source in the transport industry. A committee comprising New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) representatives is working on where best to put the extra cameras, apart from obvious road accident … [Read more...] about Speed cameras to quadruple as part of road safety campaign
Aussie looks to build cars again by enticing EV manufacturers
Australia is looking to rebuild its car-making capacity using its abundance of key minerals to encourage major electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers to set up operations Downunder. The federal government last year released its Future Fuels Strategy, identifying opportunities for the country’s reserves of the minerals, rare earths and base metals needed for EV and battery … [Read more...] about Aussie looks to build cars again by enticing EV manufacturers