A heavily modified Toyota LandCruiser has unofficially claimed the title of world’s fastest SUV. The Land Speed Cruiser was built by the company’s Motorsports Technical Center, and made its debut at the 2016 SEMA show in Las Vegas. … [Read more...] about Beefed-up Toyota Land Cruiser world’s fastest SUV
‘Signal Shield’ blocks phone calls so drivers won’t be distracted
More drivers have died on New Zealand roads in the first four months of 2017 than in the same period last year, according to NZ Transport Agency statistics. There are no statistics on the causes – distraction, carelessness, or whether the victim behind the wheel was actually at fault. But driver deaths at the end of April were up 22.2 per cent on 2016, from 54 to 66. The … [Read more...] about ‘Signal Shield’ blocks phone calls so drivers won’t be distracted
Strong sales show how utes help prop up the numbers
How much Ford NZ is dependent upon the Ranger ute (above) to maintain its second place so far this year on the new vehicle sales charts is shown in the latest registration figures from the Motor Industry Association (MIA). After four months of 2017, there were 5677 Ford passenger cars and commercials on the NZ Transport Agency’s books. Of those, 2912 – or 51 per cent – … [Read more...] about Strong sales show how utes help prop up the numbers
Lexus sedans must be sportier to battle SUVs, says brand boss
The ratio of traditional passenger cars to crossover/SUVs in the NZ market mirrors the concern a senior Toyota executive has over the future of the Lexus range of sedans. Tokuo Fukuichi (above), Toyota board member, Lexus branding chief and head of advanced design, says Lexus sedans will need to become sportier if they’re to battle back against the growing consumer … [Read more...] about Lexus sedans must be sportier to battle SUVs, says brand boss
Mazda’s next BT-50 ute will be rebadged Isuzu D-Max
The next-generation Mazda BT-50 ute will be a rebadged Isuzu D-Max and not the product of a joint development with individual styling, unlike the current BT-50 (above) which shares much with the Ford Ranger. An Isuzu Motors executive from headquarters in Japan has confirmed that last year’s joint venture agreement with Mazda had nothing to do with working together on a new … [Read more...] about Mazda’s next BT-50 ute will be rebadged Isuzu D-Max