The first Land-Rover shipped to New Zealand left the factory in the English Midlands on September 16, 1948. Chassis number R860020 was consigned to Wellington Motors. That’s all the early export order book shows. I thumbed through it at the company’s head office in Solihull a few years ago. What happened to the first Series 1 model after it landed here, who knows? Records of … [Read more...] about Tracking the first Land-Rover to NZ ends in 1948 in Wellington …
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Maserati from 1960s inspired look of Kia Stinger, says design chief
The designer who penned Kia’s four-door, coupe-like Stinger reached back 50 years to Italy and the original Maserati Ghibli (above) for his inspiration. Kia has already said it used the BMW 3-Series as a dynamic benchmark for Stinger, but its stylist Gregory Guillaume said he aimed at a more glamorous target for the design of the rear-drive car. "I always had in mind … [Read more...] about Maserati from 1960s inspired look of Kia Stinger, says design chief
New Wrangler to get hybrid powertrain, says Jeep boss
The next-generation Jeep Wrangler will come with petrol-electric hybrid power for the first time, company chief Mike Manley has confirmed. Manley told reporters at the Geneva motor show that while a full battery-electric (EV) Wrangler was “not a great fit”, a hybrid variant in the new-look 2018 range was. “We have continued our studies on hybridisation for the Wrangler, … [Read more...] about New Wrangler to get hybrid powertrain, says Jeep boss
Geneva motor show: which new models are heading to NZ first
The Peugeot 3008 (above) has been on sale in Europe for some time, but gained renewed attention at Geneva after winning the the 2017 European Car of the Year award. The mid-sized SUV arrives in New Zealand at the end of this month, but in such limited numbers that each Peugeot dealer gets only one each until the first substantial shipment lands here in June/July. Peugeot is … [Read more...] about Geneva motor show: which new models are heading to NZ first
GM sale of Holden donor Opel opens up long-term questions
Above: Peugeot/Citroen CEO Carlos Tavares and GM's Mary Barra There are more questions than answers for New Zealand now that Peugeot/Citroen parent PSA Group has bought German brand Opel and British brand Vauxhall from General Motors. Firstly, will the PSA Group take Peugeot and Citroen in NZ and Australia away from the current distributor, Sime Darby? Secondly, will PSA … [Read more...] about GM sale of Holden donor Opel opens up long-term questions