Autofile, August 21: out now
BMW NZ is the latest marque to investigate how many of its vehicles in this country are equipped with potentially defective Takata airbag inflators. Other brands are also affected, with the New Zealand total coming in at about 20,000 units. From the Rising Sun to the Long White Cloud tells the history of the used imported car industry. Orders for the new book, which is being published by 4 Media, are now being received. It’s priced at $59.50, which includes post and packaging. Visit www.autofile.co.nz/book to order a copy. MTF’s chairman believes the outcome of the Sportzone case outcome may affect the wider industry. A special meeting of its ordinary shareholders voted down resolutions calling into question the management of the Commerce Commission litigation. Trade Me Motors isretaining a “strong market position”, according its annual report, with vehicle advertising increasing by 29 per cent. It says buying out MotorWeb has gone well and it’s looking to introduce “bundled products” to make the most of services for car dealers. Jaguar has revealed the prototype of its Lightweight E-type. Autofile also looks at Ford’s new Territory, the Holden Trax Turbo LTZ and LS, Honda’s CRV Sport Limited and AWD Limited, and Subaru’s WRX STI. Read the current issue. Foton’s sales have shot up since Ateco took over, with the distributor aiming to boost its Kiwi dealer network to 15 by the end of 2014. Last month, 48 new Foton commercial vehicles were sold –127.8 per cent more than in July 2013. Heartland NZ will continue looking into takeover opportunities. It intends to announce its full-year results soon for the financial year up to June 30 with net profit after tax expected to be about $36m. Autofile brings you seven pages of in-depth industry statistics and analysis, while Malcolm Yorston reports on Japanese car makers’ production lines in Europe. The Rental Vehicle Association teams up with the NZTA to provide tourists with road-rule lessons, while Holden recalls some Australian-made cars with about 3,700 units in this country affected. Read the current issue of Autofile magazine
