In February 2004 I wrote this in the NZ Herald: ‘In the 1980s and 90s, Mazda pretty much went from one conservative passenger car to another, with the exception of the brilliant MX-5 sports car. ‘Its mainstream models were well built but largely lifeless. An outsider could be forgiven for thinking that Mazda executives wore cardigans, carried cut lunches and sat around … [Read more...] about Skyactiv-X: 16 years on, Mazda paints another picture of itself
Kia lines up seven new EVs as global battery market powers up
The global battery market to power EVs and consumer electronics and to store renewable energy on power grids will be worth about $NZ175 billion a year by 2030, up from around $NZ42 billion now, according to Bloomberg research. South Korea is one of the countries leading the way in developing the technology for the EV era. The others are China and Japan. By 2025 all three … [Read more...] about Kia lines up seven new EVs as global battery market powers up
Big wheels turnin' out to plug the products they are hauling
Trucking companies in Germany are having fun painting the products they are hauling on the sides and the backs of their trailers. Above, the bottle of beer looks like it is sticking out the side of the trailer. Below are six other examples: This company has turned its trailer into a canvas tote bag ... The Pepsi cases are all stacked towards the top of the … [Read more...] about Big wheels turnin' out to plug the products they are hauling
New battery power: Tesla Roadster can now go from Auckland to Wellington on a full charge
Upgrades to the Tesla Roadster’s battery pack have improved the range of the all-electric two-door from around 370km to 650km, says company CEO Elon Musk. The changes mean good news for owners of the Lotus Elise-based car, including the few in New Zealand who in theory could drive the 650km from Auckland to Wellington on the one charge. US-based Musk has tweeted that the … [Read more...] about New battery power: Tesla Roadster can now go from Auckland to Wellington on a full charge
Ssangyong lines up its first compact SUV for NZ market
South Korean company Ssangyong will bolster its SUV presence in New Zealand this year with the Tivoli, a town-and-around compact that shows off the brand’s new design language. It will feature bold new exterior styling (there’s a hint of the Kia Soul here and there) and an interior that is smarter and carries more kit than anything Ssangyong has offered up before. Expect … [Read more...] about Ssangyong lines up its first compact SUV for NZ market