Ford may be trialling a self-driving car that delivers pizzas in and around its hometown Detroit, but it’s reviewing plans for fully autonomous vehicles by 2021. The carmaker’s CEO Jim Hackett (above) has said publicity about self-driving cars was “overextended romanticism by everybody in the media about how this robot works.” Earlier this year, then Ford chief executive … [Read more...] about Self-driving cars: there’s a long way to go yet, says Ford chief
Volkswagen's Piech
Chevrolet badge to return to NZ, this time on right-hook Camaro
The all-American Chevrolet badge is almost certain to officially return to New Zealand after an absence of 50 years, this time on the go-fast 2020 Camaro sports car. Chevrolet parent General Motors is going global with the next two-door Camaro, just as rival Ford has done with Mustang. The seventh-generation Camaro will be available from the factory in North America in both … [Read more...] about Chevrolet badge to return to NZ, this time on right-hook Camaro
Hydrogen the answer – electric vehicles will become redundant, says Lexus chief
Electric vehicles (EVs) are doomed as a long-term transport solution because charging times for batteries will never fall to practical levels, says a senior Lexus executive. It’s “a simple matter of chemistry,” said American Paul Williamsen, the luxury carmaker’s global communications manager. “We won’t be able to get charging times down.” Williamsen said he had worked … [Read more...] about Hydrogen the answer – electric vehicles will become redundant, says Lexus chief
LDV modifies its T60 double-cab ute to handle off-road rough stuff
Buyers of Chinese-built LDV utes will next year be able to pimp them up with New Zealand-made components to look like the factory concept pictured here. It’s called the T60 Off-Road, a higher-riding version of the company’s new T60 double-cab ute that’s chockabloc with gear needed for the rough-and-tumble of all-terrain travel. LDV parent SAIC Motor Corporation dressed up … [Read more...] about LDV modifies its T60 double-cab ute to handle off-road rough stuff
New battery-electric EVs pick up the zero-emissions sales pace
Sales of new battery-electric (BEV) vehicles in New Zealand at the end of August leapfrogged the number registered in the same eight-month period last year. Back then, 120 new BEVs were on the Government’s books after eight months. This year, 247 have been registered. That’s year-on-year growth of 105 per cent. Further, it’s a 366 per cent hike on the 53 registered in … [Read more...] about New battery-electric EVs pick up the zero-emissions sales pace