A variant of the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen that is unlikely to find a role in New Zealand comes with an electronic emergency device designed to hustle the vehicle and its occupants away from life-threatening situations. It’s called the Emergency Override Switch, a panic button, of sorts. M-B isn’t saying how it works exactly. Nor does it offer an example of life-threatening … [Read more...] about Hardcore Benz G-Wagen gets emergency ‘escape’ switch
Volkswagen's Piech
Oil the No. 1 source of energy until at least 2045, says Opec
The Opec oil cartel has issued a reminder that crude will continue to be the world’s leading source of energy for decades, driven by less-wealthy countries seeking higher economic growth and improved standards of living. Opec’s bullish pronouncement comes as nations prepare to gather for the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow to discuss ways in which the world’s population can … [Read more...] about Oil the No. 1 source of energy until at least 2045, says Opec
Kiwis like Mitsubishi – its sales are up over 100% this year
Mitsubishi’s strong SUV line-up is largely responsible for its galloping growth in 2021, where its registrations at the end of September were up more than 100% on the same time last year. The nameplate’s rapid rise has propelled it to No. 2 on the charts, a position it hasn’t held for yonks but one it expects to hang on to. Motoring Industry Association (MIA) numbers show … [Read more...] about Kiwis like Mitsubishi – its sales are up over 100% this year
EVs and environment: renewable electricity makes all the difference
The CO2 carbon footprint of a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) running on power generated by fossil fuels only – coal, oil, gas – is roughly the same over its lifetime as a car with an internal combustion engine (ICE). But run a BEV on electricity from a mix of fossil fuels and renewables – coal and hydro, for instance – and it emits 14% to 22% lower CO2 emissions than an ICE … [Read more...] about EVs and environment: renewable electricity makes all the difference
New 2022 Subaru WRX: it’s the same but very different
Power from the bigger 2.4-litre engine in the 2022 Subaru WRX is pretty much the same as the outgoing 2.0-litre unit, although the new car gets to grips with maximum torque earlier in the rev range. The Japanese carmaker has released details of the fifth-generation WRX, which will be launched in New Zealand next year. It will be the first car in the Subaru lineup in this … [Read more...] about New 2022 Subaru WRX: it’s the same but very different