Lexus might have been the first to bring hybrid drivetrains to the softroad SUV market – but it is the last to bring them to the one that matters most, the compact segment. Its new NX, sort of a scaled-down version of the RX, will be here in October, chockablock with whizzbang bits and pieces like a wireless phone charger (Apple iPhone users will need a special adapter), and a … [Read more...] about New Lexus out to muscle its way into compact SUV market
Toyota
New vehicle sales: and still the records tumble
Record numbers of commercials last month helped push overall new-vehicle registrations to 12,510 units, the strongest June in New Zealand since Motor Industry Association records began in 1975. Commercial sales alone were the best since the MIA began keeping records on such vehicles in 1981, said its CEO David Crawford. Combined 2014 sales of commercials and passenger cars at … [Read more...] about New vehicle sales: and still the records tumble
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
Suspect airbags in thousands of NZ-new and used vehicles
New Zealand hasn’t escaped a worldwide recall of millions of vehicles fitted with suspect airbags made by Japanese company Takata, the world’s second biggest automotive safety parts maker. Toyota NZ has already identified more than 5000 NZ-new Avensis (above), Corolla and Picnic models that had Takata front airbags fitted, and now Nissan, Honda and Mazda are working to find … [Read more...] about Suspect airbags in thousands of NZ-new and used vehicles
Toyota 86: is this the lightweight coupe with the go-faster engine?
Is the Toyota 86 pictured here a go-faster lightweight version, with the duel air intakes in the bonnet helping to cool a more powerful flat-four engine? And are the bonnet, roof, and boot lid made of carbon fibre? The appearance of the prototype 86 (above) at the Nurburgring circuit in Germany has analysts searching for clues. The best guess is that it could indeed be a … [Read more...] about Toyota 86: is this the lightweight coupe with the go-faster engine?