Outspoken auto-industry veteran Bob Lutz has advised car collectors in the US to get hold of a Tesla Model S “while they’re still available” – an insinuation that the electric carmaker might not be around much longer. Lutz, 85, speaking at a classic car auction in Arizona, said: “Twenty-five years from now, it (Model S) will be remembered as the first really good-looking, … [Read more...] about Tesla is on the skids, says auto industry bigwig Bob Lutz
Volkswagen's Piech
37 per cent of road deaths in NZ from crashes at night
Three out of every 10 fatal car crashes in New Zealand in the past five years happened at night, NZ Transport Agency data shows. Of the 1571 road deaths in the years 2013-2017, 520, or 33 per cent, occurred between 7pm and 7am. Add those victims who died later from injuries sustained in the night-time crashes and the total is 575, or almost 37 per cent. 2013 – 253 … [Read more...] about 37 per cent of road deaths in NZ from crashes at night
Kia Optima gets new look and updated technology
Kia’s head office in South Korea has revealed its facelifted Optima sedan, ahead of its launch in New Zealand later this year. The upgraded four-door gets a new look front and rear along with technology updates, including Kia’s latest infotainment system. Up front, the design of the Optima’s slim ‘Tiger nose’ grille pretty much remains, although it now has vertical … [Read more...] about Kia Optima gets new look and updated technology
Volvo engine plant is the first to officially go ‘green’
Volvo has put its money where its mouth is – its engine factory (above) in Sweden is now officially carbon-neutral. The carmaker switched to renewable heating on January 1, 10 years after it turned to renewable sources for the plant’s electricity. All heating supplied to the facility is now generated from waste incineration, biomass and recycled bio-fuels. The … [Read more...] about Volvo engine plant is the first to officially go ‘green’
Kia aura – Stinger hits mark as new hybrid SUV appears
Like the US military’s Stinger missile, the Kia Stinger liftback (above) has made a similarly explosive impact on the car market in New Zealand. In all likelihood Kia will register around 100 Stinger models before the end of January. It has reportedly already sold 90. Kia Motors NZ general manager Todd McDonald was his usual reticent self about unofficial sales figures. … [Read more...] about Kia aura – Stinger hits mark as new hybrid SUV appears