Displaying items by tag: MOTORING

Recently released in New Zealand and a sponsor of New Zealand Fieldays, the JAC (“Jack”) T9’s positioning as a reliable workhorse for Kiwi tradies has been reinforced by the remarkable achievement overseas that shattered a 24-hour Endurance Record for commercial vehicles.

While it wouldn’t be unfair to call the LDV T60 “the poor man’s ute”, a change of distributor in 2023 has seen the brand raise its profile, while the recent arrival of the new LDV T60 Max Plus, will undoubtedly open the door to a wider audience for the brand.

Ford New Zealand has announced the addition of the Everest Tremor as a rugged and capable expansion of its hugely popular SUV family, said to offer improved offroad capabilities, without compromising on towing capacity or on-road comfort.

While the LDV brand has been available in New Zealand for a number of years, it’s typically been recognised as a second tier offering. That has started to change after distribution passed to the Inchcape Group in 2023, who are on a trajectory to improve that public perspective, and in due course, push sales upwards.

While the New Zealand ute market is dominated by three main players, “disruptors” are never too far away.

Since its launch in the late 1960s, nearly 3.5 million Suzuki Jimnys have been sold worldwide, picking up numerous awards along the way.

KGM New Zealand, is part of the London headquartered Inchcape Group, who increased its NZ presence in August 2023 with the acquisition of SsangYong distribution and five retail outlets.

Fifty years ago, Suzuki was a pioneer in developing a small Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) with fourwheel drive capability and low fuel consumption. Suzuki Development of the original Jimny in 1968 and the LJ10 Jimny arrived in 1970 it was the first mass production 4WD in the Japanese domestic mini-car category.

Subaru's XV has evolved, with the popular, AWD compact SUV reimagined and re-christened as the Crosstrek.

The first-generation VW Amarok – launched back in 2010 – has built a reputation based on comfort, handling and ability that has led to more 7700 of the vehicles being driven on New Zealand’s roads.