Popularity of the one-tonne ute in New Zealand isn’t going to decline anytime soon, despite Government attempts to erode its base with punitive tax levies on exhaust emissions. For one thing, the ute is pretty much essential kit for farmers and tradies, in a nation largely focused on farmers and tradies. More to the point, to expect, for many years at least, a … [Read more...] about Tax or no tax, VW Amarok muscles into ute market
Utes still bee’s knees, despite tailpipe penalties
Registrations of new one-tonne utes in New Zealand last month might have been down almost 900 vehicles on March numbers, but they were still up around 1600 on April 2022, according to Motor Industry Association (MIA) records. A year ago April ute numbers stood at 509 registrations, the worst month since the 300 or so light commercials recorded in April 2020, when Covid bit … [Read more...] about Utes still bee’s knees, despite tailpipe penalties
Laser safety system Apple of Volvo’s eye
A laser measuring system available in premium Apple iPhones is a contributing reason why Volvo bills its all-electric EX90 as its safest vehicle ever. The new SUV – the replacement for the current XC90 flagship – is expected to land in New Zealand later next year. Volvo NZ general manager Ben Montgomery said he has already received 22 deposits. EX90 gets a camera-based … [Read more...] about Laser safety system Apple of Volvo’s eye
Atto 3: Confucius and the Tinder trap
We bumped into each other at a BP station, both befuddled in front of two electric car chargers. He wanted to charge a top-up to an app on his smartphone. “Been trying for a while,” he said. “Keeps telling me there’s a problem with charging as a guest.” He said he was in Auckland for the day on business from Tauranga. The stitching on his shirt pocket had … [Read more...] about Atto 3: Confucius and the Tinder trap
Dieselgate gets blame for Euro7 pain
Volkswagen’s Dieselgate scandal is being blamed for what a growing number of carmakers say is an unreasonably hasty move by the European Commission (EC) to impose strict new Euro7 emission regulations. An EC spokesperson told Reuters that the proposed Euro7 emissions tests were important because of "scandals in the past about cheating devices". Euro7 would widen real-driving … [Read more...] about Dieselgate gets blame for Euro7 pain