Honda blames a lack of stock for what might be its worst sales month on record in New Zealand – meaning it didn’t have enough cars on hand for its dealers to sell. “Simply stock supply timing issues,” said marketing manager Nadine Bell, in answer to why its registrations totalled only 81 new passenger cars in April. ‘Supply issues’ can be industry speak for (a) demand in … [Read more...] about Honda blames supply problems for its worst sales month
Volkswagen's Piech
Jaguar F-Pace: the key to how it works is in a rubber band
Jaguar has come up with a novel idea for physically active owners of its new F-Pace SUV – a waterproof wristband that houses an electronic key to the car. It comes standard in New Zealand and allows you to go hiking, jogging, surfing, cycling, skiing, canoeing, for example, without having to find a place in your kit or clothes for the car’s regular key fob. That stays … [Read more...] about Jaguar F-Pace: the key to how it works is in a rubber band
Volvo hides its new XC40, a small SUV joining the hordes of SUVs
Motoring industry heavyweights like Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) CEO Sergio Marchionne believe the global sales shift to crossover/SUVs is permanent. "People favour SUVs and that's a permanent solution, especially as mileage improves on utilisation of those vehicles," Marchionne has said. In response to the trend, FCA has refocused its growth plan towards its Jeep … [Read more...] about Volvo hides its new XC40, a small SUV joining the hordes of SUVs
Driver trainer makes case for child tuition behind the wheel
The chief instructor behind a UK company that gives driving lessons to children as young as 11 has a compelling argument for doing so: “When you are learning piano or violin, you don’t start at 17 – you start at 5.” And that’s Richard Smith’s next step, teaching five-year-olds a few basic skills on private roads in purpose-built electric mini cars. Smith is the guiding … [Read more...] about Driver trainer makes case for child tuition behind the wheel
Isuzu D-Max first Arctic Trucks ute to go into dealer network
Isuzu is launching the toughest-ever D-Max ute – and it comes from the company that built the Toyota Hilux for Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson and James May to drive to the North Pole. The D-Max has been kitted out by Iceland’s Arctic Trucks, a specialist outfit that is making them for Isuzu in the UK. Arctic Trucks has been re-engineering four-wheel-drives since the 1990s, … [Read more...] about Isuzu D-Max first Arctic Trucks ute to go into dealer network