Popularity of the one-tonne ute in New Zealand isn’t going to decline anytime soon, despite Government attempts to erode its base with punitive tax levies on exhaust emissions. For one thing, the ute is pretty much essential kit for farmers and tradies, in a nation largely focused on farmers and tradies. More to the point, to expect, for many years at least, a … [Read more...] about Tax or no tax, VW Amarok muscles into ute market
Spotlight
Laser safety system Apple of Volvo’s eye
A laser measuring system available in premium Apple iPhones is a contributing reason why Volvo bills its all-electric EX90 as its safest vehicle ever. The new SUV – the replacement for the current XC90 flagship – is expected to land in New Zealand later next year. Volvo NZ general manager Ben Montgomery said he has already received 22 deposits. EX90 gets a camera-based … [Read more...] about Laser safety system Apple of Volvo’s eye
Carmakers get relief from piston engine ban
The German government has thrashed out a deal with the European Union to allow sales of vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE) to continue past 2035, so long as the vehicles burn carbon neutral “e-fuels.” The EU’s plans to ban sales of new C02-emitting cars from 2035 were well underway before Germany halted progress by demanding an exemption for ICE cars that … [Read more...] about Carmakers get relief from piston engine ban
GM keeps petrol alive with new V8 engines
The new right-hand-drive Chevrolet Corvette Z06 that will go on sale in New Zealand next year will almost certainly be powered by the last of parent General Motors’ current high-performance V8 engines. But it won’t be the last V8 from the US carmaker, which is keeping petrol power alive while investing heavily in electric vehicles (EVs). GM has announced it has … [Read more...] about GM keeps petrol alive with new V8 engines
100 years of cars and timepieces
There’s nothing new about the relationship between car and watch brands. One of the first collaborations was 100 years ago when French watchmaker Jaeger and Swiss company LeCoultre started a company in the UK making car clocks. In 1927 they sold 75% of the company to Smiths, a British competitor forever linked to the Smiths/Rolex watch Sir Edmund Hillary wore on the ascent … [Read more...] about 100 years of cars and timepieces