January issue out now

The government is looking into how public infrastructure for electric cars is paid for, saying it’s “timely” to review its co-investment approach. Plus: Autofile examines what else in the second emissions reduction plan will affect the car industry.

Shifting consumer preferences, the economic downturn and regulatory changes impacted the industry in 2024, says Aimee Wiley, of the MIA. New-vehicle sales fell by 13.5 per cent to 128,828 in 2024 compared to 148,973 in 2023 – and by 21.8 per cent versus 2022.

Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi are in talks about a possible three-way merger. A key driver behind the deal between three Japanese companies is to combat “the rise of Chinese power”, says Honda’s CEO.

The NZTA expects its annual admin fee for the clean car standard to be $18-$23 per unit based on annual imports of 270,000 to 300,000 light vehicles. The industry wants it charged at first registration.

James McDowall, the MTA’s head of advocacy, explores the big gap between planned spending on our transport infrastructure and funding, while he says road rolling risks a public backlash.

• Ford’s Ranger beats Toyota’s RAV4 to claim the title of best-selling new vehicle in Aotearoa in 2024. 

• ACC levies on EVs as part of annual rego fees will jump from $42.09 to $109.05 from the start of July.

• The NZTA is calling for submissions on recognising new Australian Design Rules as an alternative to Euro 6d for light-vehicle imports. 

• The MTA’s Larry Fallowfield on used vehicles’ crash-avoidance features and carbon-dioxide emissions now being included in safety ratings.

• James Hendry, of AdTorque Edge NZ, explains why new technologies will emerge to change the way advertisers – and car dealers – operate.

• Year-nine student Ajay Giddy is the youngest driver to ever compete in the Bridgestone GR86 Championship.

Plus: Spotlight on Emma Gilmour’s rallying comeback, Cadillac’s design study for fully electric and autonomous cars, industry movers and our ever-popular review of 2024.

Enjoy your holiday edition of Autofile magazine. We will continue to report on the issues that matter to your business and the wider industry in 2025. In print and online – quality journalism by qualified journalists.

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