January issue out now

The government is being warned older cars will stay in the fleet for longer if ADAS mandates prevent safer models being imported, with industry associations also calling for realistic transition times for any new rules.

Suzuki NZ CEO Gary Collins on the way forward after recalling 214 units of its Fronx for safety reasons. 

In-depth analysis of industry statistics from 2025 across segments and sectors. Plus: review of the year, motorsport and much more.

The government is being warned older cars will remain in the fleet for longer if ADAS mandates, such as for AEB, prevent “safer-than-current” models being imported. Industry associations make their case on supply issues, Kiwis being priced out and realistic transition timescales.

Suzuki NZ has recalled 214 units of its Fronx, which includes some of the company’s stock. When the all-new SUV was called-back for safety reasons, 1,081 had been registered here. Autofile talks to CEO Gary Collins on what progress has been made and the way forward.

Expansion has become the holy grail for many, but its relentless pursuit adds pressure at the top. Todd Hunter, of Turners Automotive Group, SG Fleet NZ’s Kimberley Gargiulo and Chris Lamers, of MTF, provide insights into dealing with it.

There were once dozens of used-car businesses in Rotorua. Only a handful remain. A family-run business, which traded for more than six decades, has become the latest to exit the market. We speak to Barry Grouby on calling time.

James Hendry, of AdTorque Edge NZ, explains why now is the time to lead fast and think smart to secure more trade. “Dealers have never had more data or digital tools at their fingertips, but more sales still come down to execution.”

• Crunching the numbers – Autofile has an in-depth analysis of industry statistics from 2025 across segments and sectors. Plus: review of the year.

• Toyota’s RAV4, New Zealand’s best-selling vehicle of 2025, returns soon in its sixth generation with two firsts – a plug-in hybrid and GR Sport.

• Malcolm Yorston, of VIA, explains why NZTA shortcuts on utes should worry us all. The MTA’s Larry Fallowfield and Aimee Wiley, of the MIA, look back on a tough year,

• When new rules are touted for cars entering New Zealand, many assume it’s a matter of choosing a date and letting the market adjust. But that ignores reality, writes VIA’s Kit Wilkerson.

• Chinese marques have secured the top two spots in a survey of franchises in New Zealand. Find out more about the MTA’s dealer-distributor relationship index.

Plus: Rising Kiwis, including Ryan Wood and Louis Sharp, are up against top talent in the Formula Regional Oceania Trophy, movers and much more.

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Autofile brings you the big news when it matters – written by experienced journalists who don’t rely on AI.