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%
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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
Volkswagen tackles Chinese with new ‘people’s car’
It’s being called Volkswagen’s new affordable ‘people’s car’. But unlike the original ‘Beetle’, it’s a battery-electric model aimed at putting the mockers on China’s plans to flood Europe with low-cost, Beijing-backed rivals. The German carmaker has teased an image of the EV, a likely hatchback set for production in 2027 and priced at 20,000 euros, or $NZ36,000. A … [Read more...] about Volkswagen tackles Chinese with new ‘people’s car’
EV sales collapse: What now for Luxon’s $257m buy-in?
That $257 million Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said National would spend over the next four years to build 10,000 chargers for electric vehicles? What happens to it now that sales of EVs have collapsed? Sales went through the roof with the taxpayer-funded Clean Car Discount (CCD). Now, three months into 2024, they’ve fallen through the floor without it. Any effect the … [Read more...] about EV sales collapse: What now for Luxon’s $257m buy-in?
Will EVs go the way of the Concorde passenger plane?
Electric vehicles (EVs) could turn out to be a technology too far, just as the supersonic Concorde passenger aircraft proved to be, writes a New Zealand Cambridge University professor. Concorde was “soon recognised as a beautiful piece of engineering that could never be a commercial success,” says Michael Kelly, Emeritus Professor of Engineering at the UK institution. “The … [Read more...] about Will EVs go the way of the Concorde passenger plane?