Motor Industry Association (MIA) figures show that 161,510 new passenger cars and commercials were registered in New Zealand in 2018, but an estimated 32,000 of those were registered before being offered for sale – and there is nothing on record to show that they actually ended up being sold to an end-user. According to confidential records, the 32,000 were registered with … [Read more...] about What happened to 32,000 vehicles registered to car firms in 2018?
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New Land Rover Defender trials mix of boosted 2.0-litre engines
• See accompanying video Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) says its new-generation Defender will need a “balanced engine portfolio” in order to succeed in all global markets – that’s why prototypes are using cleaner-burning turbocharged 2.0-litre engines from the company’s Ingenium range of five four-cylinder units. Defenders undergoing tests in Britain, Europe, and the United … [Read more...] about New Land Rover Defender trials mix of boosted 2.0-litre engines
1952 Jeep kitted out for combat is among US auction gems
Car collectors and enthusiasts imported more than 1000 used American vehicles into New Zealand last year, records show. Whether they were bought privately or publicly is a step too far for this story, but feedback indicates that Kiwis are keeping an eye on what’s for sale at the big auction houses, like RM Sothebys. Among the many rare examples Sothebys lists for sale … [Read more...] about 1952 Jeep kitted out for combat is among US auction gems
Car of the year? Has to be the Toyota ZR Hybrid Corolla
The new Toyota Corolla didn’t make the cut in mainstream 2018 car of the year awards in New Zealand, mainly because it arrived late in the year and didn’t meet judging deadlines. But I spent enough time behind the wheel of both the 2.0-litre petrol and 1.8-litre petrol-electric Corollas to choose the ZR Hybrid Corolla as my 2018 Car of the Year (COTY). But more on the ZR … [Read more...] about Car of the year? Has to be the Toyota ZR Hybrid Corolla
Jeep Gladiator pick-up has two engine options for NZ market
It’s been one of the worst kept automotive secrets of recent years, that Jeep was again developing a pick-up truck after many years without one. Now it has finally broken cover and will be called the Gladiator when it goes into production in 2019. It will go on sale in New Zealand in 2020, say Jeep’s PR people, although it is likely to be delayed until 2021. The new … [Read more...] about Jeep Gladiator pick-up has two engine options for NZ market