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?
Mercedes-Benz
New VW Passat range hides engine for updated Amarok
Volkswagen has taken the wraps off the new Passat (above) ahead of its official unveiling at the Paris motor show in October – and topping the list of its optional engines is the one expected to go into the updated Amarok ute. It’s a boosted 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel that delivers 176kW and 500Nm of torque, or 44kW and 100Nm more than the 132kW/400Nm twin-turbo engine … [Read more...] about New VW Passat range hides engine for updated Amarok
Four-paw Benz gets to grips with crossover/SUV market
Sales of crossover/SUVs accounted for 30.2 per cent of the new-vehicle market in New Zealand last month – a statistic that suits Mercedes-Benz general manager Ben Giffin just fine. The segment has grown just over three per cent since late last year when Giffin said he wished he had a vehicle to compete in the luxury mid-range sector. “The only reason Mercedes-Benz is not the … [Read more...] about Four-paw Benz gets to grips with crossover/SUV market
Global ‘green’ winner Ford plans tell-all campaign in NZ
Ford is expected to update its advertising campaigns in New Zealand to highlight its most recent success – being named No. 1 ‘green’ brand in the world, taking the top spot away from arch-rival Toyota. “Being ranked No. 1 on Interbrand’s 2014 list will assure our customers here in New Zealand that their Ford has been built in an environmentally responsible and sustainable … [Read more...] about Global ‘green’ winner Ford plans tell-all campaign in NZ
Google, Apple race to get control of in-car infotainment
Google is about to take on Apple for control of dashboard computing, the world of in-car infotainment that ultimately could link smartphones to a vehicle’s own controls and display screen. Google is this week expected to unveil its first in-car interface for Android smartphones, likely to be called Google Auto Link. It would directly compete with the iPhone interface, … [Read more...] about Google, Apple race to get control of in-car infotainment