Alright, everyone, let's dive right into today's Hot Topics.First up, Mazda New Zealand is expanding its SUV lineup with a new 6-cylinder hybrid variant of the CX-80. It's powered by a 3.3-litre inline 6 mild-hybrid engine—cheaper than the plug-in hybrid version by more than $6000, starting at $82,990 plus on-road costs. Definitely a move to attract more buyers to their flagship model.Exactly, and it’s interesting because it's about offering more options without the steep price tag of a PHEV. The focus here is on accessibility while keeping those hybrid features in play.Next, Aston Martin’s turned it up a notch with the Valkyrie LM. This track-only model, derived from their 2025 Le Mans challenger, is powered by a Cosworth V12 producing 520 kilowatts. Oh, and there's just ten being made. Talk about exclusivity!Yeah, it’s practically a privateer’s dream. It packs the same race-tuned chassis and tech from the hypercar but tweaked for high-end enthusiasts. If you’ve ever wanted an FIA Hypercar in your garage—this is pretty much it.Now onto the technical changes from NZTA concerning vehicle imports from Singapore. Charlotte, do you wanna dig into this one?Sure, so vehicle importers need to be on top of their paperwork now. The big change? NZTA requires emailed Singaporean LTA technical letters to come directly from the authority—unless they carry a digital signature. This is all about ensuring compliance with Euro 5 or Euro 6 emissions standards, so sloppy paperwork could mean delays at compliance shops.Got it. Bottom line? Double-check your files or the paperwork police will catch up with you.Right. And last for Hot Topics, plenty of familiar faces from the automotive world made the NBR rich list again. Families like Todd, Fukutaka, Gough, and Giltrap continue to show how deeply intertwined they are with New Zealand’s economic landscape.Yeah, no surprises there. Although I did notice the Giltrap family dropped a bit in ranking—it’s a tough competitive market!Alright! Time for a quick message from our sponsor. Today's podcast is brought to you by Autocheck. Stop paying too much for vehicle checks. Get your comprehensive vehicle reports for less! Check out Autocheck.co.nz, your trusted vehicle data provider.Now, onto the Best of the Rest for the day.Toyota’s 4.5-litre V8 Land Cruiser 70—it’s history. As part of their efforts to reduce CO2 emissions, Toyota is shifting entirely to the 1GD 2.8-litre turbo diesel. A smoother ride with better performance, according to their team, but it’s also the end of an era for the V8-powered workhorse.Absolutely. It’s a smart directional move for Toyota NZ, especially from an environmental standpoint, but, yeah, tough for V8 fans to say goodbye to such a legendary powertrain.In Other News today, Sean Tupp has been appointed National Sales Manager for GAC Motor New Zealand. With over 25 years in the industry, he’s previously managed brands like Volkswagen, Skoda, and MG. He’ll be instrumental in establishing GAC’s presence here.And GAC Motor is continuing to make waves globally too, entering new markets steadily. Sean’s experience makes him a brilliant choice to lead their next steps locally.Apple’s shaking things up for in-vehicle tech with their iOS 26 updates. CarPlay now includes interactive widgets, less intrusive notifications, and even expanded support for digital keys. Oh, and their premium CarPlay Ultra? It’s rolling out for Aston Martin and more brands like Hyundai and Porsche soon.Right, and that Ultra version can even control climate settings. Essentially, Apple’s aiming to build a fully integrated in-car experience. It’s all about making driving safer and more intuitive with less distraction.Finally, our One Liners today! Let’s keep it snappy.Chery confirms its Tiggo 4 compact SUV will start at $24,990 plus costs for the July launch.JAC NZ’s plug-in hybrid ute makes its debut at Fieldays, with 1000Nm of torque on offer.Tesla’s second-gen Model Y finally lands in New Zealand, sparking a pivotal month for the company.And Pagani drops a $2000, 30-hour-built Utopia replica model—a taste of hypercar flair without the $4 million price tag.And that wraps up today’s episode, everyone. Thanks for tuning into NZ Automotive News. We’ll catch you tomorrow!

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NZ Automotive News - 11th June 2025