Alright, let’s kick things off with the Hot Topics of the day. First up, the 2025 Nissan Leaf. We’ve got new pictures ahead of its debut, and wow, this third-generation version is coming in hot.Definitely. It’s a 4.5-metre-long crossover with a range of nearly 600 kilometers. Nissan’s building it in Sunderland, right alongside the electric Juke.There’s a teaser video out, but not much else so far, right?Exactly, but it’s just enough to get us excited for the formal launch later this year.Right, moving on. MG’s hybrid rival to the Toyota RAV4 has finally been detailed ahead of its New Zealand arrival.Two hybrid variants, both combining a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with electric tech. The plug-in hybrid? A whopping 135-kilometer electric range on the NEDC cycle, which is pretty impressive.And don’t forget the economy—just five liters per hundred kilometers with no charge! But pricing for New Zealand? Still a mystery.For now, we know Australians will see it in September starting at AU$52,990. So it’s creeping closer...Oh, for sure. And uh, less exciting news—an Auckland business owner’s been busted for WOF fraud. Over 677 dodgy certifications issued between late 2022 and mid-2023. That’s home detention for him.Right. It’s concerning when corners are cut like that. The NZTA had to cancel all those certifications and redo inspections. Taki, the owner, put hundreds of car owners at risk and walked away with $40,000 in unjust revenue.The NZTA was on it though. Turns out a significant percentage of those vehicles were faulty.Their senior manager, Nicole Botherway, stressed the importance of this system’s integrity. A sharp reminder for everyone in the industry today.Alright, time for today’s sponsor. This podcast is brought to you by Autocheck. Stop paying too much for vehicle checks. Get comprehensive vehicle reports for less at Autocheck.co.nz—your trusted vehicle data provider.Now the Best of the Rest for the day. First up, Chery is expanding its network in New Zealand, partnering with Ingham Motor Group. Four North Island dealerships offering full sales and aftersales support.And their lineup includes the Tiggo 4 and hybrid Tiggo 7 and 8 SUVs when they launch in July. Watch this space.Next, a new study shows electric cars cut brake dust emissions by 83 percent. It’s all thanks to regenerative braking. Even hybrids saw reductions of up to 66 percent.Cleaner air all around. And despite heavier EVs, their total particulate emissions are still far lower than traditional vehicles. So yeah, big win for EVs here.In other News today, LDV is launching its Terron 9 ute at Fieldays next week. It’s a 5.5-metre-long double-cab 4x4 with serious towing power—3.5 tonnes, to be exact.Massive, isn’t it? I mean, LDV’s really leaning into these workhorses for Kiwi tradies. The free accessory pack offer during Fieldays doesn’t hurt either.Definitely a must-see at Mystery Creek. And BMW’s giving the 5 Series a bold facelift, aligning it with their Neue Klasse EV line. It’s all about futuristic design and tech upgrades while staying petrol-powered for now.Crazy blend of old and new there. Last bit from this section—Avanti Finance has appointed two new relationships managers, strengthening their auto lending services nationwide.Finally, our One Liners today. Volkswagen’s Golf R gets an update for 2025.Fleet operators say customer demand is the top driver for their EV transition.Bolt’s now in Auckland, adding competition to the ride-share market.Alpine unveils its first electric SUV, the A390—looks like a real Porsche Macan EV rival.And McLaren’s 750S Le Mans—just fifty units planned. A proper track demon.Meanwhile, BMW says a modern M1 isn’t happening anytime soon. What a tease.And that’s it from us today. Make sure you subscribe and head over to thefullbrief.nz where you can find all the articles we’ve covered. We’ll see you tomorrow!

Episodes

NZ Automotive News - 5th June 2025