China has in two years more than tripled its share of New Zealand’s light passenger vehicle sector, that’s new cars and SUVs. Its impact on the vans and utes segment is marked, too. Its emerging presence is obvious, helped of course by the New Zealand-China free trade agreement and an automotive industry subsidised up the wazoo by the Chinese state. The presence on … [Read more...] about Chinese checkers: jumping places in NZ car market
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Power cut: sales of EVs down 65%
Despite the evangelical hype about battery-electric (BEV) cars saving the planet, registrations in New Zealand have slumped almost 65.0% in two years. In short, new BEV passenger car regos have either gone through the roof or through the floor. NZ Transport Agency numbers tell the story. In 2022 and 2023, BEV regos totalled 36,703 units – 15,677 for 13.5% of the overall … [Read more...] about Power cut: sales of EVs down 65%
PM Luxon taken for ride in ‘Chinese spy car’
Chinese-built SUVs used to ferry dignitaries around at September’s Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in Honiara were likely equipped to spy for Beijing, Australian government security officials believe. New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon and Australia’s Anthony Albanese were among PIF leaders picked up at Honiara airport and later chauffeured to forum meetings in the Chinese … [Read more...] about PM Luxon taken for ride in ‘Chinese spy car’
Spoilt for choice: plug-in sales up 150.0%
The words of former Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda have particular relevance in New Zealand, judging by continuing trends in the country’s new vehicle market. Toyoda insisted some years ago that investing in alternative fuel technologies made more sense than focusing solely on battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). “Rather than telling people what they should drive,” Toyoda said, … [Read more...] about Spoilt for choice: plug-in sales up 150.0%
Kia eyes further growth with $52,690 4WD ute
Kia will launch four versions of its double-cab Tasman ute in New Zealand later this year, the entry-level model priced at $52,690 and the range-topper at $79,690. The four will be followed later by a full range of Tasman variants, including two-door and four-door cab and chassis options. “There will be a Tasman model to suit almost all requirements,” said Kia NZ managing … [Read more...] about Kia eyes further growth with $52,690 4WD ute