Chinese badge LDV is to grow its line-up of vehicles in New Zealand from next year, adding workhorse utes and a sports utility vehicle to its range of vans. The utes have been benchmarked against the best-selling Ford Ranger and will be available in two-wheel and four-wheel-drive, with double-cab, single-cab and space-cab configurations. The SUV is code-named the D90 … [Read more...] about China syndrome: van outfit LDV moves into utes and SUVs for NZ
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Ford moves to replace Territory with Edge SUV
Ford has begun building for the UK market right-hand-drive variants of its Edge SUV, the likely replacement in New Zealand next year for the Australian-built Territory. The five-seater Edge is rolling off the production line at Ford’s Oakville assembly plant in Ontario, Canada, ready for its launch in the UK in June. The premium model is chockablock with kit – including … [Read more...] about Ford moves to replace Territory with Edge SUV
New seven-seat Holden SUV to be called Trailblazer
The upgraded Holden Colorado 7 will arrive in New Zealand later this year with a new name, Trailblazer. Holden says it decided on the new handle because of “customer feedback and a change in vehicle design”. A more convincing explanation would be that it wants to separate the seven-seat SUV from its donor car, the workhorse Colorado ute. In doing so it follows the … [Read more...] about New seven-seat Holden SUV to be called Trailblazer
Volkswagen NZ boss: ‘I got the Amarok upgrade wrong, didn’t I’
Volkswagen NZ general manager Tom Ruddenklau two years ago figured that the upgraded Amarok light truck would get a more powerful 2.0-litre diesel engine, rather than the 3.0-litre V6 industry observers liked. The 2.0-litre in-line four had made its first appearance in NZ in July 2014 under the bonnet of the new Passat sedan and station wagon. Ruddenklau reckoned it would … [Read more...] about Volkswagen NZ boss: ‘I got the Amarok upgrade wrong, didn’t I’
Honda blames supply problems for its worst sales month
Honda blames a lack of stock for what might be its worst sales month on record in New Zealand – meaning it didn’t have enough cars on hand for its dealers to sell. “Simply stock supply timing issues,” said marketing manager Nadine Bell, in answer to why its registrations totalled only 81 new passenger cars in April. ‘Supply issues’ can be industry speak for (a) demand in … [Read more...] about Honda blames supply problems for its worst sales month