Toyota is fast-tracking its electric vehicle programme around next-generation battery technology and a dedicated assembly line where cars would power up and drive themselves through the production process. It’s all part of the carmaker’s aim be the world leader in batteries for BEVs, all while cutting developing times and production costs of EVs themselves by using special … [Read more...] about Toyota gears up to fast-track EV production
Volkswagen's Piech
Keeping watch on time Porsche linked with Subaru
It's safe to assume that every one of the 475 watches made to celebrate the 75th birthday of the Porsche nameplate would have been spoken for before they officially went on sale this week, from June 8. The special edition timepiece is called Chronograph 1 – 75 Years Porsche Edition (above) and is priced at $US11,000, or $NZ17,500. It is modelled after … [Read more...] about Keeping watch on time Porsche linked with Subaru
Nazi deputy’s Mercedes-Benz for sale
A Mercedes-Benz that Nazi leader Adolf Hitler gifted to his deputy Rudolf Hess before the outbreak of World War II is expected to fetch around $NZ3 million at auction in the US next month. The 1934 500 K Offener Tourenwagen, or “open touring car”, is believed to be one of five unrestored examples of 500 K variants in existence. It has been in a private museum in West … [Read more...] about Nazi deputy’s Mercedes-Benz for sale
Germany, Italy upset EU’s carbon-neutral plans
Germany and Italy have delayed a vote by European Union partners to ban new petrol and diesel cars from 2035. Both countries want exemptions for synthetic e-fuels to protect their powerful auto industries. The setback for the EU underlines the political clout of the car lobby across Europe and its fears that ambitious carbon-neutral goals will be costly to … [Read more...] about Germany, Italy upset EU’s carbon-neutral plans
Going full electric is ‘difficult proposition’, says Toyota exec
Toyota NZ might have stuck to its traditionally conservative script at the launch of the Corolla Cross hybrid SUV in this country, but a senior Toyota Australia executive departed from its for the same car across the Tasman. Aussie sales and marketing boss Sean Hanley had just finished talking up the new petrol-electric model at a presentation in Sydney when he was asked about … [Read more...] about Going full electric is ‘difficult proposition’, says Toyota exec