BMW has given its sixth-generation 3-Series a mid-life makeover, not unexpected in light of the worldwide sales success of its main rival the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the arrival early next year of the Jaguar XE and the new Audi A4. The upgrades include exterior styling changes front and rear, revised interior trim with softer plastics, retuned suspension settings, more … [Read more...] about BMW lines up its birthday boy – the 40th anniversary 3-Series model
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Engineer’s report on faulty wheelchair vehicles haunts NZTA
The NZ Transport Agency dismissed a written report from one of its senior engineers warning that millions of dollars worth of wheelchair-access vehicles imported from Italy for use by the Accident Compensation Commission were unsafe and should not be allowed on NZ roads until they were repaired. Tauranga mechanical engineer Bill Cassidy – a long-time NZTA heavy vehicle … [Read more...] about Engineer’s report on faulty wheelchair vehicles haunts NZTA
New Benz C-Class: can it change luxury pecking order in NZ?
There is much riding on the new C-Class range for Mercedes-Benz in New Zealand, mostly that it is key to the carmaker leapfrogging BMW and Audi to become the luxury passenger car leader. It won’t happen this year – the 40 to 50 C-Class models Mercedes-Benz NZ general manager Ben Giffin expects to sell each month until Christmas won’t be enough to play catch-up with BMW and … [Read more...] about New Benz C-Class: can it change luxury pecking order in NZ?
Nissan welcomes new Qashqai into the strong SUV market
Nissan NZ managing director John Manley reckons this year’s strong new-vehicle market has at last caught up with the country’s population growth. “It’s like the mid-1970s market, it’s up to where it needs to be,” he said. “Over a 40-year period the population of New Zealand has steadily grown, but new car sales have gone backwards. Now we are seeing growth where we could … [Read more...] about Nissan welcomes new Qashqai into the strong SUV market
Does Volkswagen aim to buy Fiat Chrysler and revive historic Auto Union name?
Above: Volkswagen advisory board chairman Ferdinand Piech The automotive gossip mill is churning out all sorts of scenarios since German business magazine Manager claimed Volkswagen was looking to buy Fiat Chrysler. The magazine said VW had actually been in talks with Fiat Chrysler’s owners about buying a controlling stake in the Italian-American company. Both VW and … [Read more...] about Does Volkswagen aim to buy Fiat Chrysler and revive historic Auto Union name?