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
Volkswagen's Piech
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
Watchmaker Tag Heuer salutes iconic Porsche model’s 50th birthday
The longtime relationship between performance car brands and prestige watchmakers continues … Swiss company Tag Heuer has released limited-edition timepieces to mark the 50thbirthday of the ‘duck tail’ Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7, perhaps the most celebrated of all road-going Porsche models. Nicknamed after the brand’s racing success with the 550 Spyder in the Carrera … [Read more...] about Watchmaker Tag Heuer salutes iconic Porsche model’s 50th birthday
Ban on petrol-powered vehicles ‘not workable’, says Toyota boss
A planned ban from 2035 on petrol-powered vehicles in America’s so-called ‘green’ state California needs to be reconsidered, says Toyota Motor Corp. president Akio Toyoda (above). “Realistically speaking, it seems rather difficult to really achieve that,” US publication Automotive News reports Toyoda as telling a conference in Las Vegas. He said the California ban would … [Read more...] about Ban on petrol-powered vehicles ‘not workable’, says Toyota boss
US-made Toyota Sequoia SUV for right-hook conversion in NZ
South Island engineering company Glacier International is to bring the 2023 hybrid Toyota Sequoia SUV from North America to New Zealand. It will convert left-hook Sequoias to right-hand drive at its plant inside the innovation and technology facility at the Highlands Motorsport Park in Cromwell. The remanufacturing process, says company director Malcom King, has already … [Read more...] about US-made Toyota Sequoia SUV for right-hook conversion in NZ