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ISSUE 94 SEPTEMBER 2026

THE VOICE OF THE NEW ZEALAND AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Clean Vehicle Standard retained, but the real fight starts now ABINET HAS RULED OUT SCRAPPING THE CLEAN VEHICLE C STANDARD, BUT THE 2028 TARGETS THAT WILL DECIDE WHETHER IT ACTUALLY WORKS WON’T BE SETTLED UNTIL AFTER THE ELECTION THE DECISION

abinet has confirmed the Clean Vehicle Standard (CVS) will remain in place for both new and used vehicle imports, ending months of uncertainty over whether the Government would scrap the scheme altogether. Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced the decision on 21 August, alongside a commitment to set separate CO2 targets for used vehicle imports, a change to be worked through as part of the Stage 2 review. “The first stage of that review was carried out earlier this year,” Bishop said. “It found the Standard to be the most cost-effective way to increase the availability of lower-emissions

vehicles in New Zealand. Most vehicle industry stakeholders who took part in the review also supported retaining the Standard.” Officials will now engage with industry on settings, reporting back early next year; new targets are due to take effect from 1 January 2028.

HOW CLOSE IT CAME Retention was not a given. The review had scrapping the Standard on the table as a genuine option — a step that would have left New Zealand as one of only two OECD countries without a vehicle emissions standard, alongside Russia. It followed a rocky year for the scheme: in November 2025, the

Government cut CVS charges by roughly 80%, from $67.50 to $15 per gram of CO2 over target for new vehicles and from $33.75 to $7.50 per gram for used imports, after most importers found the original targets impossible to meet without passing costs on to buyers. Bishop acknowledged the pressure that led to that decision. “In 2025, it became clear that the Standard’s settings were not well matched to market conditions,” he said. “Most importers were struggling to meet the passenger vehicle targets, with the charges likely to be passed through to consumers through higher car prices and reduced choice.” Even so, industry feedback favoured keeping the framework rather than dismantling it: “Removing it at this

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Contents Clean Vehicle Standard retained, but the real fight starts now Cover

KYB steering components: the pinnacle of precision engineering

Six decades of OE steering experience and independently certified engineering sit behind KYB’s five-part aftermarket range, now backed by a market-leading warranty

Automaster’s two-post lift range covers low-ceiling bays through to heavy commercial capacity

Five models across three configurations give workshops a two-post option to suit almost any roof height, floor type or vehicle weight

Filtration: the quiet protector in every vehicle

Correctly specified filters protect tight engine tolerances and sophisticated vehicle systems across New Zealand’s ageing, diverse, and increasingly electrified fleet

Jaltest JT3021 puts 6,000A of jump-starting power under the seat AECS Equipment’s Jaltest JT3021 delivers 6,000A of peak current from a lithiumion pack that fits in one hand; enough to crank a diesel that conventional booster packs and jumper leads cannot touch

Second charger funding round opens as smart charging rules move through the system

he Government has put a further $21 million into public charging infrastructure, T while a separate regulatory process settles what the chargers being sold here will have to be capable of

Cast iron I-beam axles to be phased out of LVV certification

VVTA will stop testing aftermarket cast iron I-beam front axles from 2028, following L almost 15 years of monitoring inconsistent material quality

Automotive trades gain a foothold in new school subject

Locked ECUs and what they mean at the workbench

Product News

Supplier Directory

Cabinet has ruled out scrapping the Clean Vehicle Standard, but the 2028 targets that will decide whether it actually works won’t be settled until after the election

stage would be highly disruptive for the vehicle industry.”

BROAD RELIEF, DIFFERENT REASONS

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Auto Channel is the best way to reach the wider automotive industry. The publication is direct mailed to New Zealand businesses in the following automotive sectors: Automotive workshops, parts importers and distributors, transmission specialists, automotive recyclers, towing operators, panel beaters and painters, crash repairers, tyre dealers, suspension and underbody repairers, steering specialists, auto-electrical repairers, new and used-car dealers, air-conditioning repairers, trucking and transport.

Auto Channel Issue #94 September 2026

All three major trade associations welcomed retention. MTA Head of Advocacy James McDowall said the Standard “remains the last policy lever we have to influence vehicle CO2 emissions, and it stops New Zealand becoming a destination for less fuel-efficient, higheremission vehicles that cost our customers more to run.” MTA argued consistently for keeping a standard through Stage 1, and McDowall said that the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT) acknowledged that member input helped inform Cabinet’s decision. Motor Industry Association chief executive Aimee Wiley called it “an important step towards a more durable and effective vehicle emissions framework,” crediting officials for “engaging seriously with the data, evidence, and industry expertise provided.” Both associations framed retention as only half the job: getting the settings right, they said, matters more than keeping the Standard alive on paper.

THE USED-IMPORT SPLIT Not every part of the decision landed the same way. Cabinet’s move to set separate CO2 targets for used vehicle imports was something the Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA) had pushed for, and MTA had argued against. VIA chief executive Greig Epps welcomed the change as recognition of a structural problem the association has raised repeatedly. “New Zealand does not have one vehicle supply market,” he said. “New vehicle distributors source current production from global manufacturers, while used importers are sourcing vehicles that were manufactured years earlier, predominantly for the Japanese domestic market. Applying essentially the same emissions trajectory to those two very different supply channels was never going to produce a sustainable outcome.” VIA is also seeking changes to how credits operate for used imports, arguing the sector needs a genuine pathway to generate or access them rather than remaining permanently in deficit. MTA disagrees with the split in principle. McDowall said used imports “do not need to be treated differently under the Standard,” and that MTA will now work with officials “to ensure any separate targets are grounded in market realities, do not disadvantage the used-import channel, and continue to protect affordability and choice for New Zealand motorists.”

NOT EVERYONE IS CONVINCED Drive Electric, which represents the EV sector, has been the most consistently critical voice through the review, arguing for months that the Standard needed strengthening rather than merely preserving. Reacting to this decision, chair Kirsten Corson called for political parties to commit to a shared, long-term approach instead of revisiting settings every election

cycle: “What we’re really calling for is a bipartisan approach so we can have strategic, long-term, consistent policies.” That call found an unlikely ally in MTA chief executive Lee Marshall, who conceded the pre-2025 targets had swung too far the other way: “Before the 80% discount came into effect, there’s no doubt the standard was too aggressive.” Both said they would like to see clean vehicle policy taken out of the political cycle altogether — an outcome Stage 2 shows no sign of delivering.

THE NUMBERS THAT MATTER STILL AREN’T SET What Cabinet has actually settled is narrow: the CVS survives, and used imports will get their own targets. What it has not settled is the figure that matters most to importers — what those targets, new and used, will actually be from 2028. Officials will spend the rest of this year and early next engaging with industry before reporting back. That timeline runs past this year’s general election on 7 November, meaning the substantive work — the numbers importers will actually have to hit — will be the responsibility of whichever government is in office once voters have had their say. McDowall and Epps have both signalled they intend to be closely involved in that process; how much continuity survives the change of political attention between now and then is an open question.

WHAT IT MEANS FOR THE TRADE NOW For the rest of 2026 and through 2027, nothing changes at the point of sale. The reduced charges introduced in November 2025 stay in place, and the flow of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and EV stock into the market is expected to keep growing rather than stalling — the nearterm picture for buyers and dealers is stability, not disruption. What is not settled is whether the next set of numbers will hold up. MTA’s own test, as McDowall put it, is “whether the next set of targets stays realistic”, and that verdict will not be in until well into 2027, on the other side of an election, with an EV lobby, two vehicleimporter associations, and a trade body all watching for a different outcome.

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SEE THE COST PER LITRE BEFORE YOU BUY

Supercheap Auto Trade: the right oil, in the right size, every time

SUPERCHEAP AUTO TRADE’S OIL RANGE COVERS THE BRANDS WORKSHOPS ALREADY REACH FOR, PRICED AND PACKAGED SO THE RIGHT SIZE IS ALWAYS AN EASY CALL

il is the one line no workshop can afford to get wrong. Wrong grade, wrong spec, or simply the wrong size for the job, and you’re either overpaying, overstocking, or sending someone back to the shelf halfway through a service. For a busy workshop, getting oil right is one of the simplest ways to protect your margin and keep jobs moving out the door. That’s where Supercheap Auto Trade comes in. We carry oils across the specs your workshop actually uses, from everyday engine oils through to specialist lubricants, and we back it with the brands your customers know and trust. When a customer asks what’s going in their engine, you want an answer that gives them confidence, and a product on the shelf that delivers on it.

ALL THE BEST PERFORMING BRANDS UNDER ONE ROOF A good oil range isn’t about carrying everything. It’s about carrying the right things. We stock the names that have earned their place in workshops through performance you can count on, service after service. Castrol, Mobil, Penrite, Nulon, and Gulf Western, alongside our own SCA range, all under one roof. These are the oils trade customers already reach for, and having them together at trade pricing makes it easier to keep them stocked and moving. When the brands are right and the price is right, you can stock with confidence, quote with confidence, and spend less time second-guessing your supplier. That’s the

Auto Channel Issue #94 September 2026

difference between an offer that looks good on paper and one that actually helps you run the business.

SIZE IS WHERE IT REALLY COUNTS Every workshop runs differently, so the size you buy should match the job in front of you. Whether it’s a top-up bottle, a 5- or 10-litre for regular servicing, a 20-litre for steady weekly demand, or you’re stepping up to 60-litre and 205- or 208-litre drums for the high-volume lines, we’ve got the size that fits. That flexibility matters for how you manage cash and stock. Buy small when you need to stay nimble, and go big on the oils you turn over constantly. For those high-volume lines, the bigger drums bring the cost per litre right down and keep you covered through a busy stretch. It’s a small change to how you order that adds up across a month, let alone a year.

Here’s where it gets easy. On the Supercheap Auto Trade website, oils show a cost-perlitre price, so you can see exactly what you’re paying across every size. No working it out on a calculator, no guessing whether the drum really is better value than the 5-litre. It’s there in black and white. For a workshop, that’s a genuinely useful thing. You can compare sizes at a glance, work out where the best value sits for the lines you use most, and make a call in seconds. It takes the guesswork out of buying oil in bulk and helps you land on the size that actually makes sense for your business, not just the one that looks cheapest on the shelf. That kind of transparency is what trade buyers want. You’re running a business, not chasing deals. Being able to see the real cost per litre, across every size and brand, means you can order smarter and protect your margin without the hassle.

SCAN ANY PRODUCT, SEE YOUR TRADE PRICE We’ve made checking your price as simple as it gets. Scan the barcode on any product and your trade price comes straight up. No hunting through a catalogue, no waiting on a quote, just your price on the spot. The best part is you can do it anywhere. Scan a product in store while you’re walking the aisles, or scan the empty bottle sitting on the bench back in the workshop when you’re working out what to reorder. Either way, you get your trade price in seconds and can make the call there and then. For a busy workshop, that’s time back in your day. You’re not stopping work to ring around or check prices online. You scan, you see your price, you order. It’s built around how a workshop actually runs, and it takes the friction out of buying the oil and parts you go through every week. If you’re not already set up with a Supercheap Auto Trade account, it’s quick to get going, and it opens up trade pricing across the oils and everything else your workshop runs on. Create your free NZ Trade account using your NZBN at trade.supercheapauto.co.nz to access trade pricing and additional benefits designed specifically for New Zealand workshops.

same job further up the chain. Stabiliser links connect the anti-roll bar to the suspension, with the connection point varying by suspension design, and control arms, or wishbones, guide the wheel and allow the vertical movement the suspension needs to absorb the road.

KNOWING WHEN TO REPLACE

KYB steering components: the pinnacle of precision engineering SIX DECADES OF OE STEERING EXPERIENCE AND INDEPENDENTLY CERTIFIED ENGINEERING SIT BEHIND KYB’S FIVE-PART AFTERMARKET RANGE, NOW BACKED BY A MARKET-LEADING WARRANTY BUILT ON OE EXPERIENCE

YB has spent more than 60 years designing and manufacturing steering components for original equipment customers, and that OE pedigree carries directly across into its aftermarket range. Steering and suspension have always been closely linked product groups, with both required to work cohesively for a vehicle to handle, steer, and ride the way its designers intended. KYB’s long-standing position in both categories means its steering components are developed alongside its suspension parts, rather than as an afterthought bolted onto a separate product line.

and reliable anchors to extend service life. It’s this combination of OE-level design and layered testing and certification that underpins KYB’s reliability claims in the aftermarket.

TESTED TO OE STANDARDS AND BEYOND

FIVE CATEGORIES, ONE STANDARD

Every KYB steering component is developed and tested to OE specification as a minimum, so that any part purchased matches or exceeds factory quality. Before any part reaches production, it undergoes advanced quality testing: hardness control, material load testing, ball pin strength testing, rotational torque testing, and link rod pull testing. Components are also manufactured to meet TS16949, ISO9001, and ISO14001 certification, as well as TÜV standards. On the parts themselves, that translates into features such as a phosphate protective coating to guard against corrosion, low-temperature-adapted ball joint grease, and reinforced dust boots, wear-resistant hinges,

KYB’s Australian aftermarket steering range now spans five categories: Ball Joints (KBJ1000 series), Tie Rod Ends (KTR1000), Steering Rack Ends (KRE1000), Stabilizer Links (KSLF1000 front, KSLR1000 rear), and, as of April 2024, Control Arms (KSC1000). Each part plays a distinct role in the steering and suspension system. Ball joints sit within the control arm and act as the pivot point that lets the wheels turn left and right while the control arm moves vertically. Tie rod ends connect the steering rack to the steering knuckle, translating driver input into wheel movement, while rack ends, also known as inner tie rods, connect the steering rack to the outer tie rod ends to do the

Auto Channel Issue #94 September 2026

Worn steering components tend to announce themselves in similar ways: clunking, rattling, or knocking noises over bumps or while turning, play or vibration through the steering wheel, the vehicle pulling to one side, or uneven tyre wear. Any of these are worth a closer look underneath the vehicle, since a worn ball joint, tie rod end, rack end, or stabilizer link left in service can affect both handling and steering precision.

A NEW ADDITION: CONTROL ARMS In April 2024, KYB extended its Australian aftermarket offering with a range of Control Arms, built to restore original suspension performance and put through a three-axis wishbone endurance test as part of KYB’s durability testing. “Designed to withstand substantial stress and impact, KYB Control Arms are meticulously manufactured to ensure unparalleled quality and longevity. KYB has perfected the art of suspension technology, with each control arm undergoing rigorous durability testing to meet exacting standards. That means reliability you can trust,” says Larry Coulthard, KYB’s Group Product Manager. “Each KYB Control Arm is laser-etched branding for easy traceability, features electrophoretic deposition plating for corrosion prevention, and includes natural rubber bushings to ensure supreme control and comfort.”

BACKED BY A MARKET-LEADING WARRANTY KYB’s Control Arms range is backed by a warranty of six years or 150,000 km, which applies across all KYB steering and suspension automotive products, excluding heavy commercial shock absorbers. It’s a warranty position KYB describes as market-leading, and one that gives workshops and their customers confidence in the parts going back on the car. “Just as it is with our suspension components, our process rings true with KYB Steering Components. Perfect fit first time, every time. KYB has been steering you in the right direction for over 60 years! Elevate your driving experience with KYB, where precision meets excellence,” Coulthard says. For more information, visit www.kyb.com.au

Powerbond by Dayco: harmonic balancers for every performance build AUSTRALIAN-MADE POWERBOND HARMONIC BALANCERS COVER MORE THAN 450 ENGINE TYPES, FROM STREET BUILDS TO SFI-CERTIFIED MOTORSPORT, AND ARE STOCKED LOCALLY BY REPCO AND COOLDRIVE AUTO PARTS BUILT STRONGER THAN STANDARD

ayco manufactures its Powerbond harmonic balancer range in Australia and supplies it to the aftermarket worldwide. Coverage spans more than 450 engine types across US, European, Japanese, Korean, and Australian passenger cars, 4WDs, and light commercial vehicles, so there is a fitment for most performance builds that come through the workshop door. The balancer’s job is to damp the torsional vibration the crankshaft generates with every firing pulse, and it works harder as engine output climbs. Every Powerbond unit is dynamically balanced during manufacture, and the bonded dampening rubber provides up to four times the strength of a standard OEM unit — eliminating component separation and keeping operation smooth under demanding conditions.

STREET AND RACE SERIES

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The Street Series is aimed at street performance engine builders — engines you can race, and engines you can drive. Construction is high-strength spheroidal graphite (SG) iron, with bonded rubber rated to 6,500rpm and permanently etched timing marks. The Race Series is engineered for highrevving motorsport engines that require SFI 18.1 certification. It pairs a CNC-machined 1045 forged steel hub with a steel ring in an ultralightweight design, and adds positive ring retention and laser-etched timing marks.

UNDERDRIVE, OVERDRIVE, AND PULLEY KITS For customers chasing horsepower and throttle response, Underdrive balancers use a lightweight all-steel design that reduces parasitic drag from engine auxiliaries such as the A/C compressor, alternator, and power steering pump. Overdrive balancers work the

other way for supercharged engines demanding extra boost: diameter options 5% to 22% larger increase supercharger speed, an up to 8-rib serpentine drive maximises belt grip, and twin keyways provide secure crank mounting across a range of applications. Power Pulley Kits complete the range as a vehicle-specific, all-in-one underdrive upgrade — a race-specification underdrive balancer, a full set of idler and tensioner pulleys, and premium Dayco Poly-V drive belts in a single kit, taking the guesswork out of matching components.

ON THE SHELF THROUGH REPCO AND COOLDRIVE Powerbond harmonic balancers are distributed through Repco and CoolDrive Auto Parts, and vehicle applications can be searched on the Dayco website. Whether the job is a daily-driven street build, a race engine, or a supercharged application, the range gives technicians, tuners, and motorsport competitors a proven, Australian-made upgrade path for engine reliability and output. For more information, visit www.dayco.com, call Dayco Australia Customer Service on +61 (0)3 9794 4466, or email au.csd@dayco.com

16/10/2025 1:27 pm

Automaster’s two-post lift range covers low-ceiling bays through to heavy commercial capacity FIVE MODELS ACROSS THREE CONFIGURATIONS GIVE WORKSHOPS A TWO-POST OPTION TO SUIT ALMOST ANY ROOF HEIGHT, FLOOR TYPE OR VEHICLE WEIGHT BASE-PLATE OPTION FOR LOWCEILING WORKSHOPS

he AM-6140E is Automaster’s baseplate two-post lift, rated to 4000kg. Its open-top design suits high-roof vans and vehicles fitted with roof-mounted ladder racks, and the base-plate format makes it a practical option for workshops where roof height won’t accommodate a clear-floor lift. It runs an automatically activated electric locking system, telescoping front and rear arms, double screw-up feet with 80mm 4x4 height extensions, rubber pads mounted to the carriage, and tool trays. Operation is a single button to raise the lift, a lock button to rest it onto the locks, and a down button to unlock and lower. Installation needs a minimum 150mm of concrete, or 100mm with optional base-plate extensions. It’s built with superiorquality balance cables, oil pumps, cylinders

and electric motors engineered for reliable performance in demanding workshop use, and is supplied in dark blue with yellow, or dark grey with light grey, colour combinations.

CLEAR-FLOOR FLEXIBILITY IN THE 6246 RANGE The AM-6246 range is a clear-floor two-post lift rated to 4500kg, with reinforced double-S bend column design that can be positioned symmetrically for increased drive-through clearance or asymmetrically for wider door openings. Narrow or wide, and standard or low-height, configurations are available, and the motor is mounted high at the front of the post, out of the way and clear for installation close to walls. Three variants are available: the AM-6246R, with manual single-sided lock release and a remote control supplied to lift and lower the arms onto the locks — useful

when positioning them under the vehicle; the AM-6246R-H, a high-roof version at 4162mm; and the AM-6246TD, which adds twin threebutton control boxes — one on each post — for up, down and lock operation from either side of the lift, an electronically controlled safety lock, a three-button remote control and four U-adapter lift feet, with no timer delay on lowering. All 6246 models get three-stage telescoping front arms, two-stage rear arms, rubber column guards and tool trays, need a minimum 100mm of concrete for installation, and are supplied in dark blue with blue arms and yellow tool trays, or dark grey with light grey arms.

HIGHER CAPACITY FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLES For larger vans and commercial vehicles, the AM-6255R lifts up to 5500kg and is stocked in dark grey. It shares the double-S bend column design and high-mounted motor of the 6246 range, with three top-crossbar height settings — 5200mm, 5320mm and 5420mm — to suit available roof height. Three-stage telescoping front arms with arm extensions and double screw-up feet with 80mm and 155mm height extensions round out the specification, with the same quality balance cables, oil pumps, cylinders, and electric motors used across the range. For further information, contact Automaster on 0800 214 604 or visit automaster.co.nz

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Filtration: the quiet protector in every vehicle

CORRECTLY SPECIFIED FILTERS PROTECT TIGHT ENGINE TOLERANCES AND SOPHISTICATED VEHICLE SYSTEMS ACROSS NEW ZEALAND’S AGEING, DIVERSE, AND INCREASINGLY ELECTRIFIED FLEET

ilters rarely draw the same attention as turbos, injectors, or transmission components, but their job is just as fundamental. Modern vehicles depend on tight tolerances, precise fluid control, and sophisticated thermal management. Correctly specified, quality filters protect these systems from contamination, support performance, and help prevent avoidable repairs. For New Zealand workshops, filtration is a genuine opportunity to add value. The vehicle fleet here covers everything from ageing petrol runabouts and diesel utes to late-model hybrids and electric vehicles. Add dusty rural roads, coastal conditions, short urban trips, and demanding towing cycles, and a ‘one filter fits all’ approach simply does not stand up.

OIL FILTERS: SMALL COMPONENT, MAJOR RESPONSIBILITY Engine oil carries heat away from critical components, reduces friction, and holds contaminants in suspension. The oil filter removes abrasive particles without restricting the flow needed to protect the engine. Construction and specification matter. Filter media must balance efficiency, capacity, and flow, while internal valves need to operate at the correct pressures. A poor-quality or incorrect filter can contribute to restricted lubrication, dirty oil circulation, or delayed oil pressure at start-up. Replacement intervals should follow the vehicle manufacturer’s requirements while accounting for operating conditions. Vehicles used for frequent short trips, towing, extended idling, or work in dusty environments may need closer attention. Using the correct oil is only half the job; pairing it with the correct filter is essential.

AIR FILTERS: CLEAN AIR, CORRECT PERFORMANCE An engine draws in a substantial volume of air, all of which must be cleaned before it reaches sensitive components. Dust entering through the intake can accelerate wear in cylinders, rings, turbochargers, and airflow sensors. An overly restricted filter, on the other hand, can

Auto Channel Issue #94 September 2026

affect performance and fuel efficiency. Visual inspection helps, but appearance doesn’t tell the full story. Fine particles can load the media even when a filter does not look heavily contaminated. Workshops should also check the airbox for sealing issues, damaged clips, distorted housings, and evidence of dust bypass. A premium filter cannot do its job if unfiltered air can travel around it. Conditions vary considerably across New Zealand, so replacement decisions should reflect where and how a vehicle operates — not simply the odometer reading.

FUEL FILTERS: PROTECTING PRECISION Fuel systems have grown less tolerant of contamination as injection pressures have risen and component clearances have tightened. This matters particularly in common-rail diesel systems, where water or fine particles can cause expensive damage to pumps and injectors. A quality fuel filter must capture contamination while maintaining reliable flow. Diesel applications may also incorporate water separation, drains, sensors, or heating elements, which makes correct identification and installation critical. Petrol direct-injection systems also depend on clean fuel, even when the filter is integrated into a larger module. Technicians should follow the correct priming and bleeding procedures, check seals carefully, and avoid introducing dirt during replacement. Clean workshop practices are part of the filtration system.

Electrified vehicles are expanding what automotive filtration covers. Hybrid and electric vehicle batteries need controlled temperatures to operate efficiently and protect service life. Some systems use air-cooled battery packs with intake filters that prevent dust, fibres, and pet hair from restricting cooling airflow. Liquid thermal-management systems may incorporate strainers or specialised filtration components. These parts are application-specific and should never be treated like conventional service filters without verified information. A blocked battery cooling intake or filter can contribute to elevated temperatures and reduced performance. Inspection points may be near rear seats, luggage compartments, or interior trim, where they’re easy to overlook. Technicians should consult the manufacturer’s service information, observe high-voltage safety procedures, and use correctly specified components. As New Zealand’s hybrid and EV fleet grows, these systems deserve more attention.

THE COMPLETE FILTRATION CONVERSATION Professional filtration service goes beyond replacing the filter listed on the job card. It means checking the service history, operating environment, and manufacturer’s requirements, then inspecting related housings, seals, hoses, fluids, and warning indicators. Quality filtration is preventative maintenance at its most practical. The right filter, fitted correctly and replaced at the right interval, helps engines breathe, fluids circulate, fuel systems stay precise, transmissions run smoothly, and electrified powertrains manage heat.

TRANSMISSION FILTERS: OFTEN OVERLOOKED Automatic and continuously variable transmissions depend on clean fluid for lubrication, cooling, and hydraulic control. Contamination from clutch material and normal wear can affect valve bodies, solenoids, and other precision components. Transmission filters may be external, internal, reusable screens, or integrated into the sump. Access and service procedures differ significantly, so you may need to confirm the transmission code, fluid type, production date, and pan design. A complete transmission service should include the correct filter, gasket or sump assembly, approved fluid, filling procedure, and temperature-dependent level check. Guesswork is costly in this category.

BATTERY FILTERS: AN EMERGING SERVICE ITEM

THE RIGHT FILTER, BACKED BY THE RIGHT KNOWLEDGE Repco combines New Zealand’s biggest filtration range with the product knowledge workshops need to make the right choice. Its experienced team and extensive catalogue coverage help technicians identify the correct filter for virtually every vehicle and application — from routine servicing to specialised hybrid and EV requirements. With filtration products that meet or exceed OE quality requirements, Repco gives workshops confidence they are fitting a quality filter suited to the job. Contact the Repco Equipment team on 0800 237 726

Woolworths opens 15bay EV charging hub at Penrose THE NEW FAST-CHARGING FACILITY SUPPORTS WOOLWORTHS NEW ZEALAND’S EXPANDING ELECTRIC DELIVERY FLEET, WHICH IS ON TRACK TO PASS ONE MILLION KILOMETRES BY DECEMBER A PURPOSE-BUILT CHARGING FACILITY

oolworths New Zealand has opened a 15-bay fast-charging hub at its Penrose eStore, supporting the rapid expansion of its electric delivery-truck fleet. The facility is designed to keep pace with a fleet that has grown from three newgeneration electric trucks in November last year to 27 by the end of August 2026. Woolworths New Zealand Managing Director Sally Copland said the investment reflects the company’s commitment to decarbonising its transport operations. “By decarbonising our transport operations, we are bringing whisperquiet, zero-emissions deliveries straight to our customers’ doors,” Copland said. “Having grown from just three new-generation electric trucks last November to 27 by the end of this month, we are undisputedly leading last-mile home delivery decarbonisation right where our

customers live.”

SEVEN YEARS OF REAL-WORLD DATA Woolworths’ electric fleet builds on a pilot programme launched in 2019; those original trucks have since been retired, but the realworld testing that followed has informed the current scale-up. “Our original EV journey began with a pioneering fleet in 2019. While the vehicles in that fleet have long since been retired, over seven years of real-world testing has given us the data necessary to safely scale our fleet today alongside our expert technology and logistics partners,” Copland said. By the end of August, Woolworths’ electric trucks will have clocked almost 800,000 kilometres — the equivalent of travelling from Cape Reinga to Bluff and back 190 times — and are on track to pass one million kilometres by December 2026.

Keeping Engines Moving

From OE to Aftermarket

THE PREFERRED PARTNER OF THE WORLD’S LEADING VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS:

Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Citroen, Ferrari, FIAT, Ford, Jaguar, Jeep, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lancia, Maserati, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Peugeot, Porsche, Renault, Saab, Seat, Skoda, Suzuki, Toyota, Volvo, Volkswagen, VauxhaII, OpeI, GM and Isuzu.

A STEP UP FROM DIESEL The new trucks bring driver assistance systems, 360-degree cameras and air brakes, features Woolworths says represent a technological upgrade over the legacy diesel vehicles they replace and improve safety for surrounding communities.

SCALING TOWARD A FULLY ELECTRIC FLEET Woolworths is committed to a 100% electric last-mile fleet, with 57 next-generation electric trucks scheduled to be active nationwide by the end of June 2027. The Penrose hub paves the way for all 42 of the site’s delivery trucks to be fully electrified in 2027.

BYD lands a record 2,750-vehicle shipment WO VESSELS THAT DOCKED IN AUCKLAND IN LATE AUGUST T DELIVERED BYD’S LARGEST-EVER NEW ZEALAND SHIPMENT, CLEARING AN ORDER BACKLOG DATING BACK TO APRIL TWO VESSELS, ONE RECORD SHIPMENT

YD Auto NZ brought in its largest shipment of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) to date in August, with two vessels arriving into Auckland at the end of the month. The Morning Cara carried 2,395 units and the Morning Celesta a further 355, taking the combined shipment to 2,750 vehicles, the single largest volume BYD Auto NZ has imported since it established operations in New Zealand. Between them, the two vessels covered most of the current BYD range, including the all-new Atto 3 Evo, the previously unseen Atto 2 DM-i, and the recently launched Shark 6 Performance ute. The Atto 2 DM-i’s arrival was notable in its own right — it brought BYD’s plug-in hybrid DM-i powertrain to New Zealand for the first time in this model, widening the brand’s play beyond pure electric drivetrains and giving dealers a genuine option for customers not yet ready to commit to a full EV.

CLEARING A BACKLOG

Strong demand for new energy vehicles, combined with ongoing shipping constraints out of China, had created a backlog of BYD orders dating back to April. The shipment cleared that backlog while also building onground stock for new customers. Jenni Martin, BYD Auckland’s General Manager, said the increased supply would ease pressure on lead times. “This significant increase in supply will help us meet our increasing customer demand more efficiently, reduce delivery lead times, and ensure more New Zealanders can experience BYD’s innovative and sustainable mobility solutions. We are excited to continue supporting the rapid growth of the BYD brand in NZ.”

pressure on the national freight network.

A LANDMARK FOR THE BRAND Warren Willmot, General Manager of BYD Auto NZ, called the shipment a local landmark for the brand. “Bringing in our largest-ever shipment of NEVs shows just how far we’ve come, and how strong demand has been from Kiwi drivers who want an affordable, reliable path into electric and hybrid vehicle ownership. We’re proud to be playing our part in New Zealand’s transition to cleaner transport, and this shipment means more Kiwis than ever will be able to get behind the wheel of a BYD.” With the new stock now landed, BYD dealerships nationwide are better positioned to meet demand heading into summer, as the brand continues to grow its dealer network and expand its vehicle line-up.

COASTAL SHIPPING TO THE SOUTH ISLAND To speed up delivery for South Island customers, BYD NZ arranged coastal shipping from the Port of Auckland to Lyttelton, moving vehicles by sea rather than road, cutting delivery times to the South Island while easing

INTRODUCING THE RANGE

At Terrain Tamer, we understand the demands of real heavy duty 4WD vehicles, tackling extreme conditions. That’s why we’ve invested in the technology to create our TERRAIN TAMER FORTIFIED 4WD Parts range, uniquely designed and developed to truly meet these needs.We’re built tougher as recognised and used in mining, emergency services and agriculture, and those who really need to demand more from their vehicle. For information visit terraintamer.com or call (09) 263 6021

TT765_TT_Fortified_Suspension_Advert_220x156_AutoChannel_NZ.indd 1

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-10°C and +60°C — cold shed to hot cab included.

SAFE IN COLD, RUSHED HANDS Jump-starting tends to go wrong when someone is cold, rushed, and working by torchlight, and the JT3021 is designed around exactly those conditions. Reverse polarity protection means clamping it backwards in the dark at 5am does nothing — no sparks, no fried ECU. Short-circuit protection keeps the unit silent if the clamps touch each other; it simply will not deliver current until the connection is correct. An overheat cut-off manages thermal load through back-to-back starts on a cold fleet, throttling output before the cells take any damage.

Jaltest JT3021 puts 6,000A of jumpstarting power under the seat AECS EQUIPMENT’S JALTEST JT3021 DELIVERS 6,000A OF PEAK CURRENT FROM A LITHIUM-ION PACK THAT FITS IN ONE HAND; ENOUGH TO CRANK A DIESEL THAT CONVENTIONAL BOOSTER PACKS AND JUMPER LEADS CANNOT TOUCH A FLAT BATTERY BEFORE DAWN

very workshop manager knows the call: a tractor unit loaded for a 400km run will not turn over, and it is dark and cold. The battery has not just gone flat — after a weekend of tail-lift use and a parasitic draw nobody has tracked down yet, it is damaged. A conventional booster pack shrugs at that kind of load, and jumper cables mean finding a second vehicle and a driver willing to park nose to nose. The Jaltest JT3021 was built for exactly that moment: enough peak current to crank a heavy diesel from a lead-acid battery that has effectively given up, in a unit light enough to carry in one hand.

Peak current is what decides whether an engine turns over or just clicks. A 12-litre diesel on a freezing morning needs a short, hard

Auto Channel Issue #94 September 2026

The housing is drop-resistant, sealed, and unbothered by a slide across a steel deck plate — built for a working environment rather than a display shelf. At 23.2 × 11.3 × 7.2cm, the JT3021 fits under a seat or in a door pocket rather than taking up space in a toolbox.

ONE UNIT FOR EVERY 12V LEAD-ACID BATTERY The JT3021 covers trucks, buses and coaches, light commercial vehicles, agricultural machinery, off-highway plant, material handling equipment, and vessels — anything running a 12V lead-acid battery. For a service van, that means one device doing the job that would otherwise take three. AECS Equipment supplies and supports the full Jaltest range in New Zealand.

MORE THAN A JUMP STARTER

surge of amperage to break the starter motor free and spin the crank fast enough to build compression. Conventional booster packs are sized for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, and run out of headroom well before a heavy diesel needs them to. AECS Equipment’s Jaltest JT3021 draws on an 88.8Wh lithiumion pack to deliver up to 6,000A on demand, which is why it is rated for anything running a 12V lead-acid battery rather than just the easy starts.

BUILT TO LAST, NOT JUST TO START

WHAT 6,000A OF PEAK CURRENT MEANS

A HOUSING BUILT FOR THE BACK OF A SERVICE VAN

The JT3021’s cells are rated for more than 1,000 life cycles, so the unit stays a tool rather than a consumable that fades after a season of hard use. Charge it on a Friday and it is still ready a month later. A full recharge takes roughly six hours over USB-C at 5V/3A, so plugging it in at the end of a shift has it ready by morning, and the unit is rated to operate anywhere between

A 1W integrated LED torch lights the engine bay while a technician works, and two USB outputs — one fixed at 2.4A, the other a PD port covering 5V/3A, 9V/2A and 12V/1.5A — keep a diagnostics tablet or a driver’s phone charged. A separate 12V/10A DC output will run a compressor or an inspection lamp on the hard shoulder. One avoided roadside callout, or one avoided missed delivery slot, typically covers the cost of the unit, which puts a $375 jump starter closer to insurance than equipment. It is available through AECS Equipment. For more information, visit aecs.co.nz

SHOCK ABSORBERS

Shock Absorbers

COIL SPRINGS

Shock Absorbers

Lowering Springs

DIFF MOUNTS

TENSIONERS / IDLERS

AIR INTAKE HOSES

WHEEL HUBS & BEARINGS

COUPLINGS

BUMP STOPS

WHANGAREI . HENDERSON . PENROSE . HAMILTON . TAURANGA . PALMERSTON NORTH . LOWER HUTT . CHRISTCHURCH

Fit out your workshop with tools and equipment from CoolDrive COOLDRIVE AUTO PARTS BRINGS TOGETHER A STABLE OF TRUSTED GLOBAL BRANDS TO HELP WORKSHOPS FIT OUT FOR DIAGNOSTICS, SERVICING, AND EVERYDAY SHOP TASKS A TRUSTED TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT PARTNER

s Australasia’s preferred automotive parts distributor, CoolDrive Auto Parts is a trusted tools and equipment supplier for workshops across Australia and New Zealand. Proudly family owned and operated, the company has established partnerships with leading global brands renowned for quality, innovation, and reliability, giving workshops access to professional-grade tools and equipment across a wide range of automotive applications. Among these trusted partners are SP Tools, AFI, Bosch, Launch, Jaylec, Prologics, Aunger, Alemlube, Macnaught, GYS, and Jayrad, with the combined range spanning diagnostics, electrical testing, specialist servicing, fluid handling, and general workshop requirements.

HAND TOOLS AND DIAGNOSTICS SP Tools forms a key part of the offering, with high-quality hand tools manufactured to exceed international standards, available individually or in a variety of kits to suit a broad

range of servicing and repair applications. For diagnostics and air-conditioning servicing, Bosch A/C service units and KTS diagnostic tools provide workshops with dedicated solutions, while Launch’s AUSCAN4 adds further diagnostic capability to the line-up. AFI’s diagnostic equipment includes leaktesting smoke machines and walnut blasters for carbon cleaning, providing specialist solutions for identifying leaks and removing carbon deposits without stripping an engine down.

WORKSHOP SPECIALITY AND FLUID HANDLING Aunger’s workshop speciality tools support a range of applications, including braking, leak detection, suspension, and diesel injector servicing, while Jayrad’s engine cooling radiator pressure tester kits provide a practical, low-cost solution for pressure testing and identifying potential cooling system issues before they become expensive repairs. Workshop and fluid handling requirements are further supported by Alemlube’s extensive range, including hose reels, oil drainers,

drum pumps, evaporative coolers, hoists, tyre changers, wheel balancers, and other workshop and wheel service equipment, with Macnaught adding dedicated oil transfer equipment to the mix.

ELECTRICAL TOOLS, TRAINING AND SUPPORT Electrical technicians can access dedicated tools from Jaylec, including electrical crimping and soldering tools, complemented by electrical test equipment from both Jaylec and Prologics. GYS rounds out the electrical offering with induction tools and battery chargers, providing further solutions for day-to-day workshop applications. Beyond its extensive tools and equipment offering, CoolDrive supports workshops through practical technical training, helping technicians build their knowledge and confidence when working with modern vehicle technologies. This is complemented by CoolData, CoolDrive’s technical resource platform, which provides access to extensive vehicle information to help streamline maintenance, repair, and diagnostic processes. Together, CoolDrive’s tools, equipment, training, and technical resources give workshops access to the products and support required to improve capability, efficiency, and confidence, from the workshop floor through to the front counter. For more information, visit www.cooldrive. co.nz

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT Be Equipped for the Future

cooldrive.co.nz

TEL: 0800 327 868

ALBANY 5 Parkhead Place, Albany, NZ 0632

MT. WELLINGTON 22 Sylvia Park Road, Mt. Wellington, NZ 1060

CHRISTCHURCH Unit 1, 24 Avenger Cres, Wigram, NZ 8042

HAMILTON 3 Tasman Road, Te Rapa, NZ 3200

DIRECT ACCESS TO TECHNICAL EXPERTS Through Expert Desk’s Livechat function, users can put technical questions relating to AS-PL’s range and products straight to the company’s experts. Support is available from 7am to 5pm (GMT+1).

SUPPORT OUTSIDE BUSINESS HOURS Outside these hours, users can still submit a question through the same function, and AS-PL will reply by email.

COMMUNICATION WITHOUT LANGUAGE BARRIERS

AS-PL launches Expert Desk for B2B platform users AS-PL’S NEW EXPERT DESK GIVES REGISTERED PARTNERS AND DISTRIBUTORS DIRECT ACCESS TO ITS TECHNICAL SPECIALISTS VIA LIVECHAT, FROM WITHIN THE B2B PLATFORM

S-PL, one of the largest suppliers of electrical components in Europe, has launched AS-PL Expert Desk, a new technical support channel for logged-in users

of its B2B platform. The feature is aimed at partners and distributors who need answers on AS-PL’s range and products without leaving the platform they already use.

AS-PL has built AI-based translation into Expert Desk, supporting communication between users and its technical team regardless of the language a question is submitted in.

BUILT INTO THE PLATFORM Expert Desk sits inside the B2B platform itself, so users do not need a separate tool or communication channel to reach AS-PL’s technical team. The feature can be opened from the drop-down menu in the platform’s top bar, or via a button in the bottom-right corner of the page. AS-PL says Expert Desk adds another convenient communication channel to its B2B platform, making it easier for partners to access specialist technical support. For more information, visit as-pl.com

MORE THAN EXPECTED

AS-PL.COM

EXTRA PROTECTION WITH N99 MICROSHIELD

Don’t overlook the air inside the cabin

TYRES, BRAKES AND SEATBELTS GET PLENTY OF ATTENTION, BUT THE AIR DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS BREATHE DESERVES IT TOO WHAT’S GETTING IN

A 15-MINUTE JOB

very time a vehicle’s fan, heater, or air conditioning is switched on, outside air is drawn into the cabin — along with pollen, dust, dirt, and other airborne contaminants. For allergy sufferers, young families, or anyone more conscious of the air they’re breathing, that makes the humble cabin air filter worth a little more attention.

The good news is that changing a cabin air filter is one of the simplest jobs on a car, thanks to Ryco. On many vehicles, the filter is located behind or underneath the glovebox and can be replaced in around 15 minutes. Ryco also provides vehicle-specific fitment information to help mechanics locate and replace the correct filter quickly during a service.

Bosch fuel cell system begins bus trials in Madrid

BOSCH’S NEW FUEL CELL MODULE IS NOW IN DAILY PASSENGER SERVICE ON A MADRID BUS ROUTE; THE TRIAL LANDS AS EUROPE’S OWN HYDROGEN REFUELLING ROLLOUT STRUGGLES TO KEEP PACE WITH THE INFRASTRUCTURE TARGETS IT HAS SET FOR ITSELF A FUEL CELL BUILT FOR LONG ROUTES Bosch has begun several weeks of passenger service trials for its new FCPM C190 fuel cell module, fitted to an Irizar-built bus operated by Spanish transport company Alsa on Madrid’s public transport network. The C190 delivers 190kW of continuous output from a horizontal double-stack configuration, giving the bus a range exceeding 1,000km on a single hydrogen fill and a refuelling time of 10–15 minutes — comparable to a diesel bus, and far shorter than a battery-electric equivalent would need to recharge. Thomas Pauer, a member of the Bosch Mobility sector board, said fuel cells suit buses covering long daily distances with little chance to charge, and described the Madrid trial as proof the technology is ready for series production. The C190 sits in the middle of a threemodule Bosch fuel cell range. The C100, at

Auto Channel Issue #94 September 2026

100kW and built with a flatter profile, is aimed at city buses with tighter packaging needs; the C300 targets heavy coaches and trucks running longer, higher-load routes. Fuel cells are one part of a broader Bosch hydrogen push that includes the Hybrion PEM electrolysis stack launched in 2025 for producing hydrogen, along with hydrogen engine and injection technology — work that earned the development team Germany’s Future Prize at the end of 2025.

THE REGULATORY PUSH BEHIND IT The timing isn’t incidental. EU rules require a 90% cut in CO2 emissions from newly registered city buses by 2030, measured against 2019 levels, with the same target extending to other bus types from 2040. Fuel cell buses qualify as zero-emission under those rules, giving operators a route to compliance without the

For an extra level of protection, Ryco N99 MicroShield Cabin Air Filters are designed with the health and comfort of vehicle occupants in mind. Their multi-layer filtration media captures pollen, dust, and fine airborne particles, while anti-bacterial and anti-viral agents are designed to target bacteria and specific airborne viruses, including H1N1 and H3N2. Ryco states its N99 media provides 99.7% efficiency at 0.3 micron; for reference, a human hair averages 70 micron, so these filters are capturing contaminants not visible to the naked eye. That makes a cabin filter appealing whether a customer is heading to weekend sport, off-road adventuring, running errands, or on the daily commute.

WHEN TO CHANGE Like any filter, it needs replacing to keep doing its job. Ryco recommends changing cabin air filters every 15,000 kilometres or once a year. For around 15 minutes of effort on many popular vehicles, it’s a small piece of maintenance that helps create a cleaner, more comfortable environment for drivers and passengers — because looking after a customer’s car is also about looking after the people inside it. For more information or to find the right filter for your vehicle, visit www.rycofilters. com.au

charging infrastructure and range compromises battery-electric buses can bring on longer routes. Around 38,000 new buses were registered across the EU in 2025, giving a sense of the scale of fleet renewal now underway. On paper, Europe has already done policy work most markets haven’t. Under the EU’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation, member states must have a hydrogen refuelling station at least every 200km along the core trans-European road network, plus one in every major urban node, each supplying a minimum of one tonne of hydrogen a day, by the end of 2030. Member states are due to submit deployment plans in 2027. That is genuine capital, a funded network, and a deadline — backed by a market large enough to eventually make the economics work. Delivery is another matter. Germany’s public hydrogen station count has fallen from more than 80 two years ago to 50 now, as operators shift investment toward higher-margin truck refuelling at 350-bar pressure rather than the 700-bar stations passenger vehicles need, and only two hydrogen passenger cars are currently sold in Europe. Bus and truck fleets, running fixed routes back to a depot, are a far more forgiving proving ground than the passenger market — which is likely why Bosch is starting there. Whether the wider station network Europe has promised itself actually arrives on schedule is a question the Madrid trial doesn’t answer.

Automotive trades gain a foothold in new school subject NGINEERING TECHNOLOGY WILL INTRODUCE AUTOMOTIVE E ALONGSIDE SEVEN OTHER TECHNICAL SECTORS AS ONE OF NINE NEW INDUSTRY-LED SECONDARY SCHOOL SUBJECTS NINE NEW PATHWAYS INTO TRADES

he Government has confirmed nine new industry-led senior secondary subjects, designed to give students clearer pathways into trades and technical careers alongside traditional academic subjects. The subjects are Next-Gen Manufacturing, Applied Intelligent Systems, Construction and Built Environment, Energy and Infrastructure, Engineering Technology, Food and Fibre Systems, Health Services and Care, Hospitality Food and Beverage, and Tourism. Automotive and transport will sit within Engineering Technology, developed by the Transport Industry Skills Board (TISB) in partnership with the Energy and Infrastructure, Manufacturing and Engineering, and Electrotechnology, IT and Creative sectors’ skills boards. Development runs through 2026 and 2027, with the subject expected to be available to Year 12 students from 2029 and Year 13 students from 2030.

RECOGNITION FOR ESSENTIAL TRADES

Motor Trade Association Chief Executive Lee Marshall says the announcement is important recognition of the value of trades to young New Zealanders and the wider economy. “At a time when many young people concerned for their future are considering or taking up opportunities overseas, and others worry about the impact of AI, this shows there are real pathways into essential trades for those who want to earn while they learn,” he says. “With the growing dependence of modern vehicles on complex and interconnected technologies, the automotive and transport trades represent no less of a challenge than many academic courses.” MTA Director Grant Woolford sits on the Transport Industry Skills Board. Marshall says MTA has long argued for greater recognition of the sector. “MTA has long argued for automotive, transport and other trades to be given the recognition they deserve. Not only are they highly skilled jobs, but collectively they also keep the country moving,” he says. “While ‘engineering technology’ isn’t as specific to the automotive industry as we would like, we appreciate the

Chinese brands help drive 14.8% July sales lift NEW PASSENGER VEHICLE REGISTRATIONS ROSE SHARPLY IN JULY AS BUDGET-CONSCIOUS BUYERS TURNED TO CHINESE MARQUES, WHILE THE AGE OF USED IMPORTS CONTINUES TO CLIMB A STRONG MONTH FOR NEW PASSENGER CARS

ew passenger car registrations reached 8,736 in July, up 14.8% year on year — an increase of 1,124 units on the same month last year. Overall new light vehicle registrations reached 11,254 units for the month, up 1.2%. Much of the passenger growth came from Chinese brands. BYD, GWM, MG, Chery and Zeekr all featured in the top 15 passenger makes for July, with BYD up 143% to 622 units, Chery up 206% to 309, and new entrant Zeekr recording 153 registrations in its first appearance on the list. MTA Chief Executive Lee Marshall says price remains the key drawcard. “Many of the Chinese vehicles have one strong appeal to consumers — price. They continue to be attractive to drivers on a budget and represent great value on paper. Flip that on its head and legacy brands continue to decline in overall market share,” Marshall says.

“The exact shape of the vehicle market in a couple of years’ time is anyone’s guess. However, from the trends that we’re seeing develop today, we can be certain it will contain a lot less from legacy brands, a lot more Chinese brands, and a lot more electrified vehicles.”

TOYOTA AND THE RAV4 HOLD FIRM Despite the Chinese surge, Toyota dominated the passenger market with 1,681 registrations, more than double that of Kia in second place with 707. The RAV4 topped the passenger model chart with 699 registrations, almost 300 ahead of the second-placed Tesla Model Y on 403.

PLUG-IN VEHICLES AND AN AGEING USED FLEET Vehicles with a plug averaged 25% of buyer purchases since March, and hybrids made up more than half of rental and government purchases. Marshall links the trend partly to

concept of allowing the system to be broad enough that learners can try different elements of the broad spectrum of engineering and technology-related industries and make their own conclusions on where they can best thrive.” TISB Chief Executive Samantha McNaughton says the subject is designed to connect classroom learning directly to real careers. “This subject will give students practical experience of engineering concepts and help them understand how those capabilities connect to further study, training, apprenticeships, and employment,” she says.

FUNDING AND WHAT COMES NEXT The Government has allocated $15m in Budget 2026 for developing the new qualifications, under Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis and Education Minister Erica Stanford. Marshall says he hopes the investment doesn’t stop there. “The reality is that trades have been under-valued for a long time, and to really invest in attracting learners, skilling and preparing them for the workforce needs ongoing commitment,” he says. “We’re also calling for greater financial support for employers who take on young apprentices, so they’re rewarded and not penalised for investing in the future workforce.” Marshall adds that the next generation of apprentices will find not only a comparatively secure career path in an AI-disrupted job market, but also easier routes into business ownership down the track.

fuel costs. “The US-Iran conflict and related fuel cost spirals have no doubt contributed to recent trends, with electrified models now representing the majority of registrations in every buyer segment apart from companies,” he says. The split varies sharply by buyer type. Individual buyers were the most electrified group, with EVs making up 25.8% of their purchases and plug-in hybrids a further 16.9%; rental fleets leaned heavily on conventional hybrids at 59.5% of registrations; and government purchases were 67.8% electrified once EVs, plug-ins and hybrids are combined. Company buyers remained the most dieseldependent segment, at 30% of purchases, against 9% for individual buyers. Meanwhile, the average age of second-hand passenger imports continues to climb, which is now around 10 years, up from 9.3 years five years ago, as dealers import older vehicles to hold down price points.

COMMERCIAL REGISTRATIONS SOFTEN Light commercial registrations fell 28.1% year on year to 2,518 units. The Ford Ranger remained the country’s top-selling light commercial vehicle with 738 registrations, ahead of the Toyota Hilux on 608 and the Mitsubishi Triton, up 21% to 335. Full monthly and historical data is available through MTA’s vStat platform.

AMX Superstores set to open across three main centres AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST MOTORCYCLE ACCESSORIES RETAILER IS OPENING ITS FIRST NEW ZEALAND STORES IN CHRISTCHURCH, AUCKLAND AND WELLINGTON BEFORE CHRISTMAS A NEW MARKET ENTRY

MX Motorcycle Accessories Superstores will open its first three New Zealand locations before Christmas 2026, in Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington. The stores will stock AMX’s full range of riding gear, parts and accessories, available in-store and online, seven days a week. AMX is Australia’s largest motorcycle accessories retailer, with 47 superstores across the country. The business began as a single Melbourne store in 2008 and has grown into a destination for road, dirt and adventure riders. It has been part of GPC Asia Pacific since 2016 — the same group behind Repco in New Zealand — giving AMX an established supply chain and distribution network to draw on ahead of launch.

A DEDICATED OFFER FOR RIDERS Head of Marketing and Merchandise Rob

Farrimond said AMX is proud to be joining New Zealand’s motorcycling community. “We’re thrilled to be bringing AMX to New Zealand. Kiwi riders have a real passion for getting out on their motorcycles and exploring the outdoors, and that is something we genuinely share. Our team members are bike people too — they understand the gear and the lifestyle. Whether customers visit us in-store, give us a call or order online, they can expect to speak with people who are just as passionate about motorcycles as they are.” Whether riders are chasing road gear, off-road essentials or adventure-riding equipment, the new stores are positioned to offer all the leading brands at competitive prices, open seven days a week for

last-minute pickups before a weekend ride.

BUILDING LOCAL TEAMS AND CONNECTIONS AMX is recruiting for its New Zealand team ahead of the openings, with prospective applicants able to email careers@gpcasiapac. com to enquire about opportunities. “We’re also really excited to become part of the local riding communities in New Zealand, and to get involved with local clubs and riders,” Farrimond said. With three stores opening simultaneously across the country’s three largest centres, AMX’s New Zealand debut is one of the more significant single-brand expansions into the local motorcycle aftermarket this year.

Meta V Parts opens Christchurch warehouse for South Island customers BLACKFERN MEMBERS CAN NOW ACCESS META V PARTS’ FAST DISPATCH AND CLICK & COLLECT SERVICE FROM A NEW SOUTH ISLAND BASE, WITH PURCHASES STILL LANDING ON THEIR SINGLE MONTHLY CO-OP STATEMENT FASTER ACCESS FOR SOUTH ISLAND WORKSHOPS

eta V Parts (MVP) has opened a new warehouse in Christchurch, extending the fast, same-day dispatch and Click & Collect service Auckland-based customers have enjoyed through the North Island operation. For workshops and trade customers, getting the right part quickly while a vehicle is on the hoist can be the difference between keeping a job moving and losing time waiting on freight. The Christchurch facility aims to close that gap for South Island customers, while MVP’s nationwide delivery network continues to operate alongside it. Whether the job calls for online ordering and delivery, a quick dispatch, or picking up an order locally, MVP is positioning the new site to make parts-sourcing straightforward, no

matter which option a customer needs.

A WIDE RANGE BEYOND CORE AUTOMOTIVE PARTS MVP is 100% locally owned and operated, and stocks a broad range of aftermarket parts and accessories across categories including steering, suspension, clock springs, engine components, ute canopies, 4x4 accessories and lighting, with the range continuing to expand. Its catalogue extends well beyond automotive too, covering marine and motorcycle parts, caravan essentials, e-bikes, kids’ dirt bikes, hoverboards, robotics and tools among more than 6000 SKUs listed on its website — giving trade customers a single source for a wide spread of parts and equipment across the vehicle types they regularly work on. MVP also runs seasonal

deals through its website, including offers in the lead-up to the holiday period.

BLACKFERN MEMBERS GET IT ON ONE STATEMENT MVP supplies Blackfern Co-operative members, who can put their MVP purchases — including online orders — on a single monthly Blackfern statement rather than paying separately. That’s one less supplier account to manage for workshops already juggling multiple invoices. As a bonus this month, Blackfern members who buy from MVP in September go into the draw for 10,000 Blackfern reward points; terms and conditions apply. The full, ever-growing list of suppliers available through Blackfern’s co-op network, including MVP, is at blackfern.coop. For further information, visit metavparts. co.nz or contact the team on 09 820 0886 or sales@metavparts.co.nz

Cast iron I-beam axles to be phased out of LVV certification VVTA WILL STOP TESTING AFTERMARKET CAST IRON I-BEAM L FRONT AXLES FROM 2028, FOLLOWING ALMOST 15 YEARS OF MONITORING INCONSISTENT MATERIAL QUALITY FIFTEEN YEARS OF TESTING COMES TO AN END

he Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association (LVVTA) has announced that it will phase out aftermarket cast iron I-beam front axles from the LVV certification system, closing a testing programme that has run for almost 15 years. From 1 January 2028, an aftermarket cast iron I-beam axle will generally only be accepted for LVV certification if it was tested and issued with an LVVTA test certificate before the cutoff.

LVV certification applies to scratch-built and modified-production vehicles — the hot rods, kit vehicles, and heavily modified builds that fall outside standard compliance requirements — so the change lands directly on the front-axle choices builders make at the design stage, not just on parts already fitted.

HOW THE TESTING PROGRAMME CAME ABOUT LVVTA introduced axle testing after an aftermarket cast iron I-beam axle failed in New Zealand in 2012, to manage a safety issue while still allowing vehicle builders to use these axles where they could be shown to be suitable. Since then, the association has worked with manufacturers, suppliers, and vehicle owners, and has managed the testing, replacement, and disposal of a significant number of I-beam axles. Since testing began, LVVTA has tested more than 360 aftermarket I-beam axles, rejecting many for failing to meet accepted international standards for iron ductility. Ductility comes down to nodularity — how the graphite is structured within the cast iron. Low nodularity leaves an axle brittle rather than ductile, and prone to failure under load. Despite almost 15 years of engagement with axle manufacturers and testing laboratories, LVVTA

Auto Channel Issue #94 September 2026

Forged steel I-beam axles are not affected by the change and will continue to be accepted under normal LVV certification requirements. Evidence may be required to confirm that an axle is forged rather than cast — either information from the manufacturer confirming its material and manufacturing method, or metallurgical analysis where that information isn’t available. An axle simply advertised as “steel” doesn’t establish how it was made.

The axle failure in 2012 that initiated the axle testing regime

says it still receives axles with inconsistent material quality and insufficient nodularity.

WHY LVVTA IS STOPPING Changes of foundries, closures of specialist casting facilities, inconsistent quality control, and unreliable overseas test reports have kept the quality of aftermarket cast iron I-beam axles unpredictable, LVVTA says. With forged steel alternatives now available for most applications, its Technical Advisory Committee has concluded that individually testing cast iron I-beam axles is no longer an appropriate long-term solution. “It is ultimately not LVVTA’s role to act as the quality-control department for overseas aftermarket component manufacturers,” the association says. LVVTA has provided the testing service for many years to support vehicle owners, LVV certifiers and the wider modified vehicle hobby, but with a viable forged alternative now available for most applications, it considers phasing out cast iron axles the more appropriate long-term approach.

Tube axles with steel ends are also unaffected by the phase-out and may continue to be accepted, provided they meet all applicable LVV certification requirements.

A SMALL NUMBER OF EXCEPTIONS LVVTA recognises there are a small number of applications for which a suitable forged I-beam axle isn’t currently available. After the phase-out period, the association may consider a cast iron axle for these applications on a case-by-case basis, but prior approval will be required, and the axle will still need to undergo metallurgical testing and assessment.

A PHASE-OUT, NOT AN IMMEDIATE BAN

WHAT VEHICLE BUILDERS SHOULD DO NOW

There is no immediate ban on cast iron I-beam axles. A phase-out period runs until 31 December 2027, during which aftermarket cast iron I-beam axles can still be submitted for testing under the existing process.

Anyone who already owns an untested cast iron I-beam axle should arrange testing well ahead of the 31 December 2027 deadline. Anyone buying a new I-beam axle is encouraged to establish, before purchasing, whether it is forged steel or cast iron, and to obtain evidence of the material specification from the supplier or manufacturer. er the phase-out period, purchasing an untested cast iron I-beam axle could leave the owner with a component that cannot be accepted for LVV certification in New Zealand. Vehicle owners can discuss the requirements with their LVV certifier, or contact LVVTA technical staff directly. Full details of the change, including the Visit lvvta.org.nz, or phase-out scan the QR code arrangements below, for the full and the limited Information Sheet exceptions, are set out in LVVTA Information Sheet 01-2026, Phasing Out of Aftermarket Cast Iron I-Beam Front Axles.

WHAT THE DEADLINE MEANS FOR AN UNFINISHED BUILD It is the axle that needs to be tested by the cutoff date, not the completed vehicle. A build that is still some way from completion can use a pre-tested axle and be finished and presented for LVV certification well after 31 December 2027, provided the axle itself holds an acceptable test certificate issued before that date. The change does not affect existing LVVcertified vehicles with a cast iron I-beam axle. Anyone with an untested cast iron I-beam axle intended for a project should have it tested as soon as reasonably practical. Testing is carried out during normal LVVTA office hours, and the association warns against leaving it to the last minute — it cannot guarantee that axles submitted in the final weeks or months of the phase-out will be tested before the cutoff.

FORGED AND TUBE AXLES UNAFFECTED

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above 2.4kW covering communication with electricity retailers, networks, and energy management systems; response to external signals; randomised delay and ramp-rate control, so large numbers of chargers cannot all switch on at once and spike local demand; plus data capture, overload protection, software updates, labelling, and compliance reporting. The exemptions matter for anyone holding stock: the requirements would not apply to units already installed, to second-hand chargers, or to stock imported or manufactured here before the rules take effect. Nothing is binding yet. The requirements take effect only once the Energy Efficiency and Conservation (Energy Flexibility and Regulatory Improvements) Amendment Bill passes, with the detailed rules developed alongside that process.

WHAT IT COSTS THE TRADE

Second charger funding round opens as smart charging rules move through the system THE GOVERNMENT HAS PUT A FURTHER $21 MILLION INTO PUBLIC CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE, WHILE A SEPARATE REGULATORY PROCESS SETTLES WHAT THE CHARGERS BEING SOLD HERE WILL HAVE TO BE CAPABLE OF A SECOND ROUND OF LOANS

he National Infrastructure Funding and Financing agency (NIFFCo) opened a second round of zero-interest loans for public EV charging infrastructure on 8 August, releasing its request for proposals two days later. Around $21 million is available through an open procurement process, with charge point operators able to borrow up to 50% of eligible project capital costs at 0% interest over up to 12 years. The offer targets the sequencing problem operators have described for years. “Concessionary loans lower the cost of capital and help overcome the challenge that charging infrastructure often needs to be built before demand is fully established,” Energy Minister Simeon Brown said. Round one, announced in March, was substantially larger: $52.7 million in government loans over a 13-year term, matched by roughly $60 million from ChargeNet and Meridian Energy, for a programme worth more than $110 million. It is delivering 2,574 charge points —

Auto Channel Issue #94 September 2026

1,374 DC fast chargers and 1,200 AC units — split roughly evenly between the six main centres and the regions. Structuring the support as loans rather than grants cuts the net cost to the Crown to about $10,000 per charger, against roughly $40,000 under a grant model. THE GAP THE MONEY IS AIMED AT New Zealand has just over 1,800 public charge points, one of the lowest charger-toEV ratios in the OECD. The target is 10,000 by 2030, about one charger for every 40 EVs. Round two targets operators beyond that first pair building portfolios of sites. “We continue to hear concerns about access to public chargers, especially for longer journeys outside main centres,” Transport Minister Chris Bishop said.

THE RULES WRITTEN IN THE BACKGROUND An Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) consultation paper went out in July and submissions closed on 4 September. It proposed requirements for chargers rated

The Cabinet paper behind the proposal puts industry-wide compliance costs at $4.6 million over ten years against $23 million in benefits — a five-to-one return, or roughly $102 of net benefit per charger a year once network and generation savings are set against the cost of the smart function. Smart chargers currently retail for $1,000 to $1,700, against $800 to $1,000 for a nonsmart unit — a premium of a few hundred dollars. Officials expect that to narrow once the capability becomes standard, citing the UK’s experience with equivalent rules. The extra cost buys grid capacity rather than a better charger. Electricity demand is projected to rise 80% by 2050, and unmanaged charging concentrates into the same morning and evening peaks the network already struggles with. “Electric vehicles represent one of New Zealand’s biggest opportunities to create a more flexible electricity system,” EECA Group Manager Policy and Regulations Murray Bell said.

TWO LEVERS, ONE TARGET The two processes land in different places for the trade. The loan round is a commercial opportunity for operators with sites and a pipeline, and work for the contractors who build them. The regulatory process is a supplychain question — what can still be sold, what is exempt, and where the price of a compliant unit settles. Neither is finished: round two bids are still being assessed, and the regulations For more information, await legislation, scan the QR code but both point below or visit eeca. to the same govt.nz 2030 number — one paying for the hardware to go in the ground, the other setting what it must do once it is there.

Locked ECUs and what they mean at the workbench ANUFACTURERS ARE HARDENING ENGINE CONTROL M MODULES AGAINST OUTSIDE ACCESS, AND THE AFTERMARKET KEEPS CATCHING UP; THE GAP BETWEEN THE TWO IS WHERE WORKSHOPS GET CAUGHT WHY THE LOCKS ARE THERE

ngine control modules have been getting harder to access for years. Manufacturers point to vehicle theft, emissions tampering, and cybersecurity, and the direction of travel is consistent — signed firmware, encrypted boot processes, and gateways that expect an authenticated request before anything reads from or writes to a module. What used to be a straightforward bench read is, on newer platforms, a locked door.

WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE IN PRACTICE The current example is BMW’s DME8 engine control platform, which arrived with updated Bosch protections that resisted the read and write access the aftermarket had relied on. The platform sits behind a wide spread of vehicles — B46 and B48 2.0-litre, B58 and S58 3.0-litre, N63 and S63 4.4-litre, and N74 6.75-litre engines. In model terms, that takes in the M2,

M3, M4, X3 M, and X4 M, BMW’s 3.0T range, and Mini and Toyota Supra applications built around the same engine family.

MORE THAN TUNING Module access matters well beyond performance work. Replacing a failed unit, cloning it so the replacement carries the original vehicle data, and some diagnostic routines all depend on being able to read and write to the ECU. When that access closes, a repair that used to be an in-house job becomes a dealer job or a send-away, whether or not anyone intended to change a single calibration value.

THE ENTRY LEVEL MITO’s EV Safety micro-credential is the low-cost starting point. It includes roughly three hours of eLearning before a five-hour workshop, and recognises competency to work safely on and around battery electric and hybrid electric vehicles. MTA runs a short introductory hybrid and EV safety seminar at venues around the country covering similar ground — making a high-voltage vehicle and its battery safe, and the practical safety side of

The pattern is cyclical rather than settled. Each new module generation arrives locked, the aftermarket works out access, and the next generation resets the position. On any given job, the practical question is simply whether the work can be finished in-house or has to go out, and how long the customer’s vehicle is off the road while that happens. Worth separating, too, are the two decisions involved — unlocking a module to complete a repair and altering a factory calibration are not the same thing, and the compliance consequences of the second sit with the workshop, not the tool.

AutoTuner has released in-shop unlock capability for DME8 as a tool update, at no additional cost and with no subscription or per-unlock fee. Arin Ahnell, chief executive

THE TRAINING PATHWAYS ALREADY EXIST, AND SO DO THE VEHICLES; SO THE QUESTION IS HOW MUCH CAPABILITY DOES YOUR WORKSHOP NEED ybrids arrived here in volume through used imports and have been ordinary workshop fare for most of the past decade. Battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are well past the novelty stage, and enough of them are now old enough to need the same routine work as anything else — brakes, suspension, steering, air conditioning, tyres. The difference is that on many of them, the high-voltage system must be isolated before that routine work can safely start.

WHAT TO WATCH

THE AFTERMARKET CATCHES UP

Should you invest in EV servicing capability? WHERE THE WORK ALREADY IS

of AutoTuner USA, said: “With this free update, any shop or tuner in the world with an AutoTuner Tool can unlock and tune some of the most popular new BMW models right in their shop.”

working on high-voltage systems.

THE FULL QUALIFICATION The step up is the New Zealand Certificate in Electric Vehicle Automotive Engineering at Level 5. It takes about 11 months and carries 70 credits, delivered as eLearning theory alongside 10 days of practical workshops, for $1,118 excluding GST. Entry requires an Automotive Engineering qualification at Level 4 or equivalent evidence, and the learner has to be employed in the industry. The content goes beyond safe handling to finding and fixing uncommon and complex faults in high-voltage systems, and leading workshop activity so a team works to company and legal safety requirements.

TWO DIFFERENT INVESTMENTS

work on the vehicle at all, not on the drive system. The Level 5 certificate is a different commitment: close to a year of a technician’s time, and it positions the business to take diagnostic and repair work rather than declining it or sending it out.

WHAT THE INVESTMENT BUYS The honest answer is optionality. A workshop without high-voltage competency doesn’t just miss EV-specific jobs — it has to turn away or sublet ordinary jobs on vehicles that happen to have a high-voltage system. As that share of the fleet grows, the cost of not having the capability shows up as work walking back out the door, not as a line on an invoice.

WHERE TO START For most general workshops, the sensible sequence is safety training first, across enough staff that a vehicle is never held up waiting on the one person who is signed off, then a separate decision about whether one technician goes further. Committing to the Level 5 certificate makes sense when enough of this work is already coming through the door, or when there’s a deliberate plan to go looking for it.

It helps to treat these as separate decisions rather than two rungs on one ladder. Safety training is inexpensive, takes a day, and is fast becoming the baseline for any workshop that puts a modern vehicle on a hoist—it lets staff

AUTO UPDATE a second motor at the front axle for a combined 330kW and 560Nm, dropping the 0–100km/h time to 3.9 seconds, an output BYD says is unmatched among all-electric family SUVs. It shares the Premium’s 74.88kWh battery and 220kW DC fast-charging capability, delivers about 470km of WLTP combined range, and is rated to tow up to 1,500kg braked. For a vehicle in this size and price bracket, that combination of all-wheel drive, sub-foursecond acceleration, and a 470km range puts the Performance variant well outside the territory most family SUVs, electric or otherwise, compete in.

SMARTER SOFTWARE, REMOTE CONTROL

BYD’s Atto 3 Evo arrives with an allwheel-drive flagship and faster charging HE REVAMPED SUV MOVES ONTO BYD’S 800-VOLT T E-PLATFORM 3.0, ADDING A 330KW PERFORMANCE MODEL AND DC CHARGING UP TO 220KW TO NEW ZEALAND’S MOST POPULAR BYD NAMEPLATE MOST SUCCESSFUL NAMEPLATE GETS AN UPGRADE

YD New Zealand has confirmed the arrival of the Atto 3 Evo, a comprehensively updated version of the electric SUV that introduced the BYD name to New Zealand in 2022. More than 7,000 Atto 3s are now on Kiwi roads, making it the brand’s most successful nameplate here, and the Evo carries that popularity forward with a new platform, sharper exterior styling, and a significant step up in performance technology. BYD Auto New Zealand General Manager Warren Willmot says the update is a milestone for the model. “The Atto 3 has been a huge part of BYD’s story in New Zealand, and now with the arrival of the Evo model, this takes everything Kiwis loved about the current Atto 3 and moves it forward. Faster charging, more range, and a genuinely more sophisticated drive. It’s a big step up, and I think it’s going to resonate with both existing owners looking to upgrade and new customers looking to purchase an EV for the first time.”

A NEW PLATFORM, THREE VARIANTS The Evo range sits on BYD’s 800-volt e-Platform 3.0 and now spans three variants rather than the single configuration offered previously: the front-wheel-drive Dynamic, the rear-wheel-drive Premium, and the all-wheeldrive Performance. The rear suspension has also moved from a four-link layout to a five-link

Auto Channel Issue #94 September 2026

system, aimed at sharper handling and ride quality across the range. The shift to an 800-volt architecture underpins most of the Evo’s other gains. Running the battery and motor at higher voltage lets more energy flow through the system at a given current, unlocking faster DC charging on the Premium and Performance variants without the cabling or thermal load a higher-current 400-volt equivalent would need.

DYNAMIC AND PREMIUM The Dynamic opens the range with a 60.48kWh Blade Battery, a 150kW/310Nm frontmounted motor, and a claimed 0–100km/h time of 7.3 seconds. WLTP combined range is approximately 420km, DC charging tops out at 110kW, and braked towing capacity is 750kg. The Premium steps up to a 74.88kWh Blade Battery and a 230kW/380Nm rear-mounted motor, cutting the 0–100km/h sprint to 5.5 seconds. WLTP range rises to approximately 510km, and DC fast charging jumps to 220kW, nearly three times the outgoing model’s capability, enough for a 10–80% charge in around 25 minutes. Braked towing capacity increases to 1,500kg, and cargo capacity comprises a 101-litre front boot and a 490-litre rear boot.

PERFORMANCE ADDS ALL-WHEEL DRIVE New to the range, the Performance variant adds

The Evo introduces an upgraded Di-Link infotainment system with a cleaner interface and wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A new voice assistant adds faster command response and improved voice-zone recognition, reducing interference from other passengers. BYD’s Cloud Service app extends remote control to key functions including door locking, air conditioning, windows, and vehicle location, alongside NFC key entry and scheduled climate control so the cabin is ready before the driver gets in. The jump in DC charging speed is likely to matter as much to fleet and high-mileage buyers as the added performance. A 10–80% top-up in around 25 minutes on the Premium and Performance variants brings charging stops closer in line with a fuel-and-coffee break, cutting the downtime that has been one of the more common objections to EV ownership for businesses running vehicles all day.

SHARPER STYLING, MORE SAFETY Exterior changes bring BYD’s latest DragonFace design language, led by a full-width daytime running light signature at the front and a full-width Chinese-knot taillight treatment at the rear, along with a high-mounted stop light and revised spoiler. Six exterior colours are available: Ski White, Athene Blue, Harbour Grey, Cosmos Black, Atlantis Grey, and Parkour Red, with a $990 charge applying to every colour except Ski White. Inside, the Evo gets a column-mounted gear selector, a redesigned steering wheel, a grey interior colourway, an 8.8-inch LCD instrument cluster, a wireless phone charger, an upgraded air-conditioning system, rain-sensing wipers, driver monitoring, and child presence detection. Premium and Performance models add front cross-traffic alert and braking.

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY The Atto 3 Evo is available now at BYD dealerships nationwide, priced from $59,990 plus on-road costs for the Dynamic, $65,990 for the Premium, and $75,990 for the Performance. BYD is currently the largest supplier of plug-in vehicles to the New Zealand Government, giving the Atto 3 Evo’s arrival added weight for dealers and fleet buyers watching where government and corporate EV procurement is heading.

AUTO UPDATE cross-bolted steel main bearing caps, and a forged-steel crankshaft and connecting rods, with the cylinder bores deck-plate honed during manufacturing to improve fuel efficiency. Each of the two turbochargers feeds three cylinders rather than the engine relying on one large unit, which Ram says lets both turbos spool faster and deliver boost lower in the rev range. The result is a torque band flat enough to hold at least 90% of peak torque from 2,350rpm through to redline, and Ram states the Hurricane produces more power per litre than the supercharged, alcohol-injected Hemi engine in the Dodge Demon 170.

TOWING, PAYLOAD AND RUNNING GEAR

Ram adds a priceled Express Black Edition to the 1500 range NEW ZEALAND’S TOP-SELLING LARGE PICKUP FOR THE PAST DECADE GETS A BLACKED-OUT, SUB-$125,000 ENTRY POINT POWERED BY THE SAME 313KW HURRICANE SIX FITTED TO THE REBEL AND LARAMIE SPORT A NEW ENTRY POINT FOR THE RANGE

he Ram 1500 has been New Zealand’s top-selling large pickup for the past ten years, and Ram Trucks NZ is widening the range’s entry point with the arrival of the 1500 Express Black Edition. Due in showrooms from August 2026 and priced from $124,990 plus on-road costs, it is the most affordable large pickup on the New Zealand market and the newest MY26 addition to the 1500 line-up. Todd Groves, General Sales Manager of Ram Trucks NZ, says the model reflects the brand’s usual positioning at a new price point. “Ram has always been about strength and attitude, and the Express Black Edition takes that even further. Bringing this model to New Zealand for the first time, at this exceptional price point, along with Ram’s outstanding towing capacity of up to 4,500kg, is a milestone for us, and we can’t wait to see it on Kiwi roads.”

BLACKED OUT FROM BONNET TO WHEELS The Express Black Edition earns its name from a blacked-out equipment package fitted as standard: a Mopar sports performance hood, side steps, black mirror caps, black door handles, black badging, black grille, black headlights, black exhaust tips, and black 20inch wheels, along with a spray-in bed liner. Buyers can choose from six exterior colours: Diamond Black, Granite Crystal, Bright White,

Molten Red, Forged Blue, and Silver Zynith, the last arriving later in 2026.

THE HURRICANE REPLACES THE HEMI Under the hood, the Express Black Edition runs the same Hurricane twin-turbo, in-line six-cylinder petrol engine and eight-speed automatic transmission fitted to the 1500 Rebel and Laramie Sport, producing 313kW and 635Nm. That is more power and torque than the 5.7-litre V8 Hemi engine it replaced across the range, at 291kW and 556Nm, and Ram says the Hurricane is also the more efficient of the two. A higher-output version of the same engine, producing 403kW and 707Nm, is reserved for the range-topping Limited model. The move from a naturally aspirated V8 to a smaller-capacity turbocharged six mirrors a broader shift across the ute and pickup segment, where manufacturers are downsizing engine capacity while adding forced induction to meet tightening emissions and fuel-efficiency targets without giving up towing and payload performance. The 3.0-litre Hurricane’s power and torque figures over the outgoing 5.7-litre Hemi make that trade-off explicit in the Ram 1500’s case.

INSIDE THE TWIN-TURBO SIX Ram’s own engineering material for the Hurricane points to a deep-skirt cast-aluminium block with a structural aluminium alloy oil pan,

Braked towing capacity is rated at 4,500kg on a 2 5/16-inch ball, or 3,500kg on a 50mm tow ball, with a vehicle payload of 1,014kg and a maximum combined tub and tow ball load of 520kg. Gross vehicle mass is 3,220kg and gross combination mass 7,711kg, figures that put the Express Black Edition on par with the rest of the 1500 range despite sitting at the bottom of the price ladder. The Express Black Edition carries a 98-litre fuel tank, LED headlights, and 20-inch wheels fitted with 275/55/20 tyres, and runs part-time four-wheel drive.

LINE-UP PRICING Positioned as the accessible end of the range, the Express Black Edition sits below the 1500 Rebel ($159,990), the Laramie Sport with RamBox (currently discounted $15,000 to $149,990 RSP), and the range-topping Limited Night Edition with RamBox ($185,990), giving dealers a full spread from $124,990 through to $185,990 plus on-road costs. For the aftermarket, the model’s factoryfitted black wheels, black trim, and spray-in bed liner mean less of that work needs to happen after delivery, while the standard tow package and choice of ball sizes leaves plenty of scope for towbar, brake controller, and canopy fitment further down the ownership chain.

FACTORY-BACKED RIGHT-HANDDRIVE CONVERSION Ram Trucks Australia is the only factorybacked distributor of Ram trucks in Australia and New Zealand, and has converted more than 35,000 units to right-hand drive to date. Vehicles are imported from the United States in left-hand drive and remanufactured to righthand drive in Melbourne to factory quality standards, using up to 500 locally engineered parts alongside a number of key components sourced from the original US suppliers. Ram Trucks Australia employs more than 200 factory workers and around 40 engineers to meet demand for Ram pickups across both markets. That local remanufacturing footprint, and the mix of locally engineered and original US-sourced parts it relies on, is worth noting for the aftermarket and service side of the business as the Ram 1500 fleet on Kiwi roads continues to grow.

AUTO UPDATE

Leapmotor’s B03X targets space and practicality in the compact EV SUV class HE OCTOBER LAUNCH BRINGS A 510-LITRE BOOT, UP TO T 382KM WLTP RANGE, AND FOUR NEW DEALER SITES TO LEAPMOTOR’S GROWING NEW ZEALAND LINE-UP A COMPACT SUV BUILT FOR SPACE

eapmotor is strengthening its position in New Zealand’s electric vehicle market with the October launch of the B03X, a compact electric SUV built around cabin space and practicality rather than outright size. At 4.27 metres long with a 2,605mm wheelbase and flat-floor EV architecture, the B03X offers 947mm of rear legroom and up to 1,009mm of front headroom, aiming for the manoeuvrability of a compact SUV without the usual space trade-offs. Brian Carr, General Manager – Sales at Auto Distributors New Zealand, says the model is designed around everyday usability rather than badge appeal alone. “It is easy to manoeuvre and park in an urban environment, but once you get inside, the amount of space and flexibility is immediately apparent. We have focused heavily on making B03X a vehicle that is genuinely useful every day, while also giving customers the technology, performance and EV efficiency

they increasingly expect.”

BATTERY, RANGE AND CHARGING The B03X launches in two variants: Life, with a 39.8kWh battery and up to 292km WLTP range, priced from $37,990 plus on-road costs, and Design, with a 53.0kWh battery and up to 382km WLTP range, from $42,990. Life is rated at 130kW of power, and Design up to 145kW. DC fast charging tops out at 100kW on Life and 133kW on Design, with an 11kW onboard AC charger across the range. Both use Leapmotor’s Cell-toChassis 2.0 Plus architecture, which integrates the battery into the vehicle structure to lower the centre of gravity, increase torsional stiffness, and support thermal runaway protection.

STORAGE AND TECH Boot space is a clear focus: 405 litres in the standard boot, plus a further 105 litres in Leapmotor’s waterproof, washable GigaBox underfloor compartment, taking total capacity to

Isuzu completes expanded MY26 N Series 4x4 range HE NEW NMS CREW CAB LIFTS ISUZU’S LIGHT-DUTY ALLT WHEEL-DRIVE LINE-UP FROM TWO VARIANTS TO SEVEN ACROSS THE NMS, NPS, AND NQS RANGES SEVEN MODELS, UP FROM TWO

suzu Trucks New Zealand has completed the rollout of its expanded MY26 N Series 4x4 range, with the arrival of the new NMS Crew Cab variant broadening the brand’s light-duty all-wheel-drive offering. Where the line-up previously consisted of two variants of the NPS 450 4x4, customers can now choose from seven models spanning the NMS, NPS, and NQS ranges, opening up applications including apiculture, off-highway work, and service vehicles supporting the civil construction sector. David Ballantyne, General Manager of Isuzu Trucks New Zealand, says the expansion responds directly to customer demand for more capable, better-equipped light-duty 4x4 trucks. “Where we previously offered two variants of the highly successful NPS 450 4x4, customers can now choose from seven variants across the NMS, NPS, and NQS model range. These models provide a broader selection of transmission

Auto Channel Issue #94 September 2026

options, GVM ratings, and cab configurations to suit a wide variety of applications, including apiculture and, in particular, service vehicles supporting the civil construction sector.”

GVM, TRANSMISSIONS, AND CAB CHOICES Across the expanded range, GVM ratings run from 5,995kg to 8,000kg depending on model, with a choice of manual or Isuzu’s 9-speed Dual Clutch Automated Manual Transmission on NMS and NQS models. Both Day Cab and Crew Cab configurations are available depending on model, and Electronic Stability Control and Electric Park Brake are fitted as standard across the range.

THE 9-SPEED DUAL CLUTCH AMT Ballantyne says the new 9-speed Dual Clutch AMT, now available on NMS and NQS models, delivers tangible benefits for operators. “The new 9-speed Dual Clutch AMT delivers

510 litres, or 1,605 litres with the rear seats folded. The cabin adds 33 further storage compartments, a 15W wireless phone charger, and dual cupholders built into the centre console. On technology, the B03X runs a 14.6inch central touchscreen alongside an 8.8inch digital instrument display, powered by Leapmotor’s Leap OS 4.0 Plus on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor, with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and over-the-air software updates. Level 2 driver assistance covers 21 ADAS features supported by 14 sensors and cameras, with three selectable driving modes.

SAFETY AND DEALER NETWORK A five-star ANCAP safety rating is anticipated, following five-star results already achieved by Leapmotor’s B10 and C10 models, and the B03X carries seven airbags as standard. The model is backed by a six-year warranty. The launch coincides with an expansion of Leapmotor’s New Zealand dealer network, with four new sites opening in Napier, Taupo, Rotorua, and Palmerston North, taking the network to 12 locations and improving coverage across the North Island. Pairing a new model with a wider footprint puts Leapmotor in a stronger position to compete in what has become one of the most contested segments in the local EV market, as more brands push compact electric SUVs into the sub-$45,000 bracket.

smoother operation and performance, particularly during full-power upshifts, while the spread of gear ratios keeps the engine operating in its most efficient RPM band.” For context, the outgoing NPS 450 4x4 that the range builds on runs a 114kW output at 419Nm of torque, paired with a manual transmission and an 11,000kg GCM rating.

A CREW CAB FOR PEOPLE AND EQUIPMENT With the addition of NMS and NPS Crew Cab variants, Ballantyne expects strong interest from operators needing to move people and equipment safely and efficiently. “We expect the new NMS and NPS Crew Cab models to be particularly popular with customers seeking an all-wheel-drive light-duty truck equipped with advanced safety features. These models can transport a crew of workers, be driven on a Class 1 licence, and offer greater payload capacity than a traditional ute.”

AUTO UPDATE used day to day. For a segment where genuine 4WD hardware is increasingly rare below the mid-size SUV bracket, keeping the drivetrain and chassis unchanged while adding value elsewhere is a deliberate trade-off. It means the Horizon’s off-road capability is identical to the standard Jimny’s rather than a marketing exercise layered over a soft-roader, which matters to a buyer base that tends to know the difference and shop accordingly.

INSIDE THE CABIN

Suzuki adds heritage styling and $4,000 of accessories to the Jimny Horizon HE LOCALLY EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL EDITION PAIRS JIMNY’S T UNCHANGED ALLGRIP PRO 4WD SYSTEM WITH A HERITAGE GRILLE, TENT SHADE, AND ROOF PLATFORM FITTED FROM THE FACTORY A LOCALLY EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL EDITION

uzuki New Zealand has announced the arrival of the Jimny Horizon, a locally exclusive special edition of one of the world’s most recognisable compact 4WDs. Available in both 3-Door and 5-Door form, the Horizon is designed for customers seeking a practical, capable, and distinctly styled compact 4WD for outdoor use and everyday driving. The Jimny nameplate has built a following well beyond its sales volume on the strength of genuine off-road ability in a small footprint, and Suzuki’s approach with the Horizon is to lean into that reputation rather than move away from it. Rather than a cosmetic trim level, the special edition bundles factory-fitted accessories and unique styling elements around the existing Jimny formula.

FACTORY-FITTED, NOT AFTERMARKET Aaron Wales, Suzuki NZ’s National Sales Manager, says the special edition was built around local demand. “The Jimny Horizon has been created to reflect the enduring appeal of the Jimny nameplate while offering a distinctive special edition tailored to local demand. It captures everything drivers love about Jimny: proven 4WD capability, practical equipment, and distinctive styling, into one value-added package.” The Horizon adds more than $4,000 worth of genuine Suzuki accessories over a

standard Jimny, fitted as standard rather than sold separately. Exterior additions include an attachable Osagawa tent shade for campstyle setups, a roof platform for extra load carrying, and side door mouldings, alongside a heritage-inspired grille and custom vinyl decals that reference Jimny’s long-standing off-road pedigree. Together, they give the special edition its own identity while keeping the base model’s character intact. Bundling genuine accessories at the factory rather than leaving them to be sourced and fitted after delivery is an increasingly common approach to special editions, and it works two ways for the trade: it adds showroom appeal without extra fitment work on the dealer’s side, and it keeps that accessory revenue within Suzuki’s own genuine parts channel rather than an independent aftermarket alternative.

THE 4WD HARDWARE UNCHANGED The 4WD hardware carries over unchanged from the standard Jimny, which is the point: Suzuki’s ALLGRIP PRO system, a low-range transfer gear, a ladder-frame chassis, and generous ground clearance remain central to the vehicle’s capability, and are what allow the Horizon’s compact dimensions and durable construction to be a genuine advantage offroad rather than a compromise. Power comes from Suzuki’s 1.5-litre petrol engine, paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-stage automatic transmission, giving buyers a straightforward choice depending on how the vehicle will be

Inside, the Horizon sticks to a practical, durable specification rather than added luxury. Standard equipment across the range includes a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, smartphoneconnected navigation, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, auto light-sensing headlamps, daytime running lamps, fog lamps, and Suzuki’s Guide Me Light function, which lights the way to and from the vehicle in the dark. The 3-Door Sierra adds climate-control air conditioning and headlamp washers, while the 5-Door builds further on practicality with four speakers, autolevelling headlamps, and 377 litres of luggage space with the rear seats folded, useful for buyers cross-shopping the Horizon against larger, less capable soft-roaders.

SAFETY AND DRIVER SUPPORT Safety equipment is shared across both body styles: six airbags, Dual Sensor Brake Support, lane departure warning, weaving alert, cruise control, hill hold control, hill descent control, and Brake LSD traction control. Dual Sensor Brake Support combines camera- and laserbased sensors to detect a potential frontal collision and apply the brakes if the driver doesn’t respond in time. Suzuki pairs that with the Jimny’s rigid ladder-frame construction and generous approach and departure angles, aimed at giving drivers confidence in the variable road and surface conditions found around the country.

PRICING, WARRANTY AND AVAILABILITY The Jimny Horizon 3-Door is priced from $34,990 plus on-road costs, and the 5-Door from $42,990 plus on-road costs, with both variants backed by Suzuki’s 8-year warranty package and 5-year roadside assistance. With both body styles available, buyers can weigh affordability against extra passenger and cargo space without stepping outside the special edition, and the 5-Door’s added practicality is likely to broaden the Horizon’s appeal beyond the traditional Jimny buyer looking for a weekend or work runabout. “For customers looking to go further with confidence, the Jimny Horizon is a 4WD special edition designed to meet the moment and provide many memorable experiences,” Wales says. The range is available to view and test drive at Suzuki’s 36 dealerships nationwide, giving the model reasonably wide coverage for a special edition rather than a limited, capitalcity-only release.

with original equipment. Every recovered component is logged in the company’s own CORA system, which assigns each item a process path and guides staff through the correct rebuild steps, reducing the risk of error and keeping quality consistent across the plant. Staff also have digital access to photos, instructions, and tooling information at each stage of the process, rather than relying on memory or paper records. AS-PL designs and builds much of its own production equipment, which gives it the flexibility to run short batches of less common starter and alternator models alongside its high-volume lines. That combination of process control and in-house equipment supports monthly output of more than 100,000 new and remanufactured units. AS-PL is also one of a small number of remanufacturers now working on belt-driven starter generator (BSG) systems, and every finished unit, new or remanufactured, goes through a final diagnostic test on the same type of equipment used by original equipment manufacturers.

From four people to nearly 500: the ASPL growth story

HREE DECADES AFTER STARTING WITH FOUR PEOPLE AND T ONE IDEA, THE POLISH ROTATING-ELECTRICS SPECIALIST NOW PRODUCES MORE THAN 100,000 NEW AND REMANUFACTURED STARTERS AND ALTERNATORS A MONTH FOR WORKSHOPS IN OVER 100 COUNTRIES FROM FOUR PEOPLE TO A EUROPEAN SUPPLIER

A CATALOGUE BUILT ON PRIVATE LABEL

very engine needs an initial jolt to get moving, then a steady supply of energy to keep everything else running — a starter motor delivers the initial jolt to get an engine moving; an alternator supplies the steady energy that keeps everything else running once it is. AS-PL has spent more than three decades building its business around that division of labour. The company started with four people and one idea: supply the market with quality electrical components at an accessible price. That start-up has grown into one of Europe’s largest suppliers of starters, alternators, and related electrical components, now employing close to 500 specialists across four European branches. The company’s operations span more than 30,000m² of floor space, anchored by its production plant in Lubichowo and a newer head office in Gdańsk. AS-PL’s new and remanufactured products now reach workshops and distributors in more than 100 countries, on every continent — a long way from the founders’ original idea. Through that growth, the company points to one thing it says hasn’t changed: continuous process improvement, and the trust that improvement is meant to build with customers.

The AS-PL catalogue has grown alongside the company and now runs to more than 30,000 products, covering starters, alternators, and spare parts for passenger vehicles, trucks, agricultural equipment, and industrial machinery. Of that range, 91% is private label, built to meet European market requirements and recognised industry standards. Behind the catalogue is a substantial testing operation — AS-PL runs tens of thousands of laboratory tests every month, with results passed directly to customers — backed by technical advice and support aimed at keeping workshops moving rather than waiting on parts, wherever in the world an order is placed. For AS-PL, that reliability is as important as the product itself. The company packs more than 20,000 items a day and processes upward of 80,000 orders a year.

Auto Channel Issue #94 September 2026

INSIDE THE LUBICHOWO REMANUFACTURING LINE The Lubichowo plant is where AS-PL’s remanufacturing work happens, built around a simple question: how much further can an already solid process be improved? Used starters and alternators are stripped down, cleaned, and rebuilt to a standard comparable

QUALITY, SUSTAINABILITY, AND REACHING THE MARKET AS-PL operates to international quality, safety, and environmental standards, and works with industry bodies that help set benchmarks for the wider remanufacturing sector. Components that cannot be restored are sorted and sent to specialised recycling facilities rather than discarded. For customers, that remanufacturing process offers genuine cost savings over new parts while making better use of materials already in circulation — a consideration that matters as much to workshop margins as it does to sustainability targets. AS-PL’s products reach the market through hundreds of distributors and thousands of retail outlets worldwide, supported by a presence at major international trade fairs, with delivery processes built around getting orders out the door quickly enough that customers are not left waiting on parts to keep vehicles moving.

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PROCESS For all the process and technology behind it, AS-PL frames its growth as a story about people. The company credits its specialists — the technicians running the Lubichowo line, the staff testing components in its laboratories, and the teams managing orders and distribution — with turning its systems and equipment into consistent, reliable products, and says the combination gives it full control over the quality and efficiency of what it produces. It’s a point AS-PL has chosen to make directly: recent company profile videos feature specialists from across its operations talking through their own roles and the day-to-day challenges of keeping a plant the size of Lubichowo running to standard. Three decades on from four people and one idea, AS-PL sums up its direction in similar terms: build the business on quality, technology, and competence, and let the trust that follows carry it into markets it hasn’t reached yet. For more information, visit as-pl.com

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PRODUCT NEWS

Narva High Power LED reverse globes Narva’s High Power LED Reverse Globes produce 1,500 effective lumens per globe — more output than the popular Narva 72449 work lamp. They fit directly into existing reverse light housings, with no extra wiring, drilling, or dash switches required, and are sold in pairs for balanced brightness on both sides. Suited to 4WDs, utes, wagons, and SUVs where the reverse light is separate from the stop, tail, and indicator, the range covers three base types: BA15S, T20 Wedge, and T15 Wedge. The globes are not ADR/ECE approved for exterior use, and are for off-road use only. Scan the QR code to view the full range and compatibility options

Flashlube Diesel Conditioner Flashlube’s Diesel Conditioner is a diesel fuel additive designed to break down soot and carbon build-up, helping keep engines and injectors running cleaner. Formulated to protect against the water and dirt particles common in diesel fuel, it also reduces the emissions reaching the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), extending its service life. Suited to modern common-rail diesel engines, including those switching to Low Sulphur or Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel, it improves performance, fuel economy, and emissions. Treat rate is 50mL per 50L of fuel, with sizes ranging from 50mL to 20L. For more information, visit flashlube.com

Mount Shop shock absorbers Mount Shop stocks one of the largest ranges of shock absorbers in the country, with thousands of SKUs covering all makes and models, making it easier for workshops to find the right application. The range is continually updated to keep pace with the market, and is backed by quality brands including KYB and KONI. With extensive coverage, quality products, and trade-focused support, Mount Shop is a go-to source for shock absorbers, from everyday replacements to performance upgrades. Available from Mount Shop

Hayman Reese towball mount range Hayman Reese has launched a new range of user-friendly towball mounts (TBMs). Each TBM comes complete with a towball, pin, and R-clip, supplied in a single pack. With nine variants available, the range covers the most common requirements for achieving the ideal towball position, including three adjustable options for towing trailers with different height requirements. An easy-to-follow application guide is also available.

For more information, contact Hayman Reese on 0800 698 227

Auto Channel Issue #94 September 2026

CoolDrive Auto Parts and Jayrad launch new coolant range The new Jayrad Coolant Range, available through CoolDrive Auto Parts, delivers long-lasting cooling system protection for passenger, light, and heavy-duty vehicles, agricultural equipment, motorcycles, ATVs, and UTVs. Engineered to meet or exceed OE specifications, the comprehensive range includes OAT and HOAT concentrates, ready-to-use premix coolant, corrosion inhibitors, and radiator flushes. Offering long-lasting antifreeze, anti-boil, and corrosion protection, the range is available in multiple sizes, with colour-coded formulations matching the original system to simplify servicing and guarantee consistent performance. For more information, visit www.cooldrive.co.nz

KYB shock absorbers: built to OE standard As one of the world’s largest OE shock absorber manufacturers, KYB supplies around 50 million shock absorbers a year, equipping one in five new vehicles globally. Built in the same factories, using the same Japanese technology and quality standards as its OE product, KYB’s aftermarket shocks carry that same engineering discipline through to the workshop counter. In Australia, KYB shock absorbers feature specific valving engineered for local conditions, delivering superior ride comfort and steering stability, the same approach the brand applies across its wider suspension range. For more information, visit www.kyb.com.au

New: HC4002 Corghi Erco two-post hoist Automaster’s new HC4002 Corghi Erco is an asymmetric, clear-floor two-post hoist suitable for vehicles ranging from small cars to large SUVs. Four three-stage telescoping arms, combined with the asymmetric column layout to provide a wide door-opening angle and easy cabin access without risking damage to the vehicle. The reinforced, two-section column design adds stability, while an adjustable top crossbar can reduce the installation width from 3500mm to 3250mm, suiting tighter workshop layouts. Optional rear parallel-arm parking maximises space between the columns for easier vehicle positioning. For further information, contact Automaster on 0800 214 604 or visit automaster.co.nz

King Springs King Springs are Australia’s leading manufacturer of high-performance automotive coil springs, trusted by workshops and enthusiasts alike. Engineered from premium X5K high-stress steel, they offer unmatched strength, reduced weight, and superior suspension response. Ideal for New Zealand’s demanding roads and off-road conditions, King Springs improve handling, ride height, and load capacity across a wide range of vehicles — from 4WDs and utes to performance and passenger cars. Easy to pair with KYB or OEM shocks, they’re a go-to solution for reliable, high-quality suspension upgrades that deliver proven performance and customer satisfaction. Kings Springs are available through Mount Shop

a S ra ring UP di s, P at d L or iff Y s, s, en alt SE gi er RV ne na O IC co tor ils E m s, ,g C po br re O ne ake as N nt c e, S s, om co UM ba p ol A W tte on an B O rie en L t R , E Ra K s, ts t S r an gs SH tra , s cl , lu O ile fl ea b P rp ui ne ric C d, ar ts rs an O bu , c ts N lb SU ar , P SU s, flu ca PE M SP re , a AB sh Ti E ,a e L e N es irc ros ES bu rod SIO on ol sh s, N s ,a es ba A br , b ll j N as ea oin D AF iv rin ts ST es TE ,r E g , s, ac ER Au R sh k di M I oc en NG dr o, AR ks ds es pe K , s rf ET up or , p m AC W ai an C nt ce ES O /w p S D RK ra ar O ia S p, ts, RI g ha no HO dr bo ES nd sti P iv d el yk c E to s, Q in it ol ho U e s, s, is IP G sp ts M EN , ec e E N Au ER l ia ec T lis t to A t s ric en e L R er s, gi lec E vi po ne tr PA ce w i c re al IR eq er bu , c S W ui to ild lu ER pm ol IN tc V s , D h W S en s, su e IC in C t sp s, c E d m sc RE en yl irr re E sio ind or en N n, er s, s S co he w , c AN ip hi D W ol ad er p in s, H s, re G g E O E cu pa LA EM LS st irs SS om , s re re A pa p ND fit ide irs lac T m gl , c em Y en as R o t s, e n AU su nt, ES TO m ty Re ab re s R le s, s, fit su tora EFI in tin pp ti N ne g lie on ISH r t /b s, , sm E ub ala sp a R D es nc RI ra sh S in y V g, Au E pa rep in ai to TR te rs D ma A rs , a iff t IN ,p u er ic en s, RE ai tont b tia Tra P co od ls, ns AI rre y W fer R S he c E ct el ase RV io n be s, I ar M CE in an gs u , T als or , D qu S e Gs C ,C on V ve Ts rte , rs

PA R Be TS

Supplier directory

YOUR GUIDE TO NEW ZEALAND'S LEADING AUTOMOTIVE TRADE SUPPLIERS

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parts@1stautoparts.co.nz or 09 638 6439

 abdgroup.co.nz or 0800ABDGROUP

acdelco.co.nz

 aecs.co.nz or 0800 673 034 or sales@aecs.co.nz

 alleuroparts.co.nz or 0800 255 387 or parts@alleuroparts.co.nz

 ateco.co.nz or 09 979 8000

 automaster.co.nz or 0800 214 604

 autolign.co.nz or 09 574 2288

 bacsystems.com.au

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06 306 8446 or blackfern.coop

 tyreorder.co.nz or 0800 80 90 96

 bmw.co.nz or 0508 269 727

bntnz.co.nz or 09 414 3200

bridgestone.co.nz or 0800 802 080

capricorn.coop or 0800 401 444

0800 CASTROL (0800 227 876)

centurydistributors.co.nz

cyb.co.nz or 09 978 6666

chemz.co.nz or 06 877 9690

09 636 5428 or sales@clutchindustries.co.nz

cooldrive.co.nz or 0800 327 868

cool-safe.org.nz

crc.co.nz or 09 272 2700

dieseldistributors.co.nz or 09 265 0622

dtm.co.nz or 0800 621 233

07 850 5240

exedy.co.nz or 0800 425 882

eproducts.co.nz or 09 916 6750

0800 757 333 or fenixautoparts.co.nz

0800 465 855

ford.co.nz or 0800 367 369

fuchs.co.nz or 09 828 3255

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garageworkshop.co.nz or 03 244 0441

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gearwrench.co.nz

gmtradeparts.co.nz

The Auto Channel supplier directory is your easy reference for sourcing a range of automotive products and services.

PA R Be TS

a S ra ring UP di s, P at d L or iff Y s, s, en alt SE gi er RV ne na O IC co tor ils E m s, ,g C po br re O ne ake as N nt c e, S s, om co UM ba p ol A W tte on an B O rie en L t R ,t E Ra K s, ts S r an gs SH tra , s cl , lu O ile flu ea b P rp id ne ric C ar , ts rs an O b ul , c ts N b S SU ar , P U s, flu ca PE M SP re , a AB sh Ti E ,a e L e N es irc ros ES bu rod SIO on ol sh s, N s, es ba A ab , b ll j N ra ea oin D siv AF rin ts ST es TE , E gs ra E , Au R , s ck R di M I h oc en NG dr o, AR ks ds es pe K , s rf ET up or , p m AC W ai an C nt ce ES O /w p S D RK ra ar O ia S p, ts, RI gn H ha o O dr bo ES nd sti P iv d el yk to cs, EQ in it ol ho U e s, s, is IP G sp ts M EN ec , e E E N Au R ia lec T lis t to A t s ric en e L R er s, gi lec E vi po ne tr PA ce w i re cal IR eq er bu , c S W ui to ild lu ER pm ol IN tc V s , s he I W DS en s, C u in C t sp s, c E d m sc RE en yl irr re E sio ind or en N e n s, s S ,c rh w , c AN oo ea ip hi D W er p lin ds H s, re G g , E L O E p c A us ai EM LS S r to s, S re re A m s pa p ND fit ide irs lac T m gl , c em Y en as R o t s, ns en ES AU um t, TO t Re ab yre s R le s, s, fit su tora EFI in tin pp ti N ne g lie on ISH r t /b s, , sm E ub ala s D pr a RS es nc RI ay sh in V g, Au E pa rep in ai to TR te rs D ma A rs , a iff t IN ,p u er ic en s, RE ai tont b tia Tra P co od ls, ns AI R f rre y W er S he c E ct a el se RV io n be s, I ar M CE a in n gs u , T als or , D qu S e Gs C ,C on V ve Ts rte , rs

This directory is a paid service for businesses who supply to the New Zealand automotive trade. To secure your inclusion, contact us on advertising@autochannel.co.nz.

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goss.co.nz or 03 8792 6999

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griffithsequipment.co.nz or 09 525 4575

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hcb.co.nz or 0800 422 228 haymanreese.co.nz or 0800 MYTBAR

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infinitev.nz or 0800 360 111

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injectronics.com.au or 0800 536 547

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jasoceania.co.nz or 0800 527 335

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0800 549 429

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nz.macnaught.com or 0800 023 510

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mmnz.co.nz or 0800 54 53 52

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smitsgroup.co.nz or 0800 227 422

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0800 383 566 mountshop.co.nz or 0508 866 686

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napa.co.nz or 0800 800 073

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09 836 6673 patchrubber.co.nz or 0508 837 248

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penriteoil.co.nz or 0800 533 698

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precisionequipment.co.nz 0800 246 478

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redarcelectronics.co.nz

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repco.co.nz or 0800 472 787

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ryco.co.nz or 0800 838 222

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sasgroup.nz or 0800 MOUNT ME

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smitsgroup.co.nz or 0800 227 422

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sulco.co.nz or 0800 800 488

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0800 188 122

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trade.supercheapauto.co.nz

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terraintamer.com or 09 263 6021

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enquiries@gearboxfactory.co.nz or 0800 443 272 / 09 274 8340 treadwayequipped.co.nz 0800 436 436 tridon.co.nz or 09 259 4327

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holden.co.nz

trojan.co.nz or 0800 876 526

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tatp.co.nz or 0800 268 266

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valvolineglobal.co.nz or 0800 825 865

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eshop.wurth.co.nz or 0800 683 040

Chrome Showcase returns to raise the bar

NEW ZEALAND’S REVIVED SHOW CAR SPECTACLE HEADS BACK TO THE AUCKLAND SHOWGROUNDS THIS OCTOBER, AND THE TRADE HAS AS MUCH REASON TO BE THERE AS THE SHOW CAR CROWD

hrome Showcase set out in 2025 to do something New Zealand’s show car scene had not quite managed in recent years: get the V8 crowd, the hot rodders, the JDM builders, and the muscle car owners into the same hall on the same weekend, without anyone feeling like a guest at someone else’s show. It worked. The debut event at the Auckland Showgrounds drew a strong turnout across every category, and organiser Premier Events is back for round two on Saturday 3 October and Sunday 4 October to build on a format that has reignited excitement in the show-car scene.

BRINGING THE TRIBES TOGETHER Event organiser Azhar Bhamji said last year’s biggest hurdle was cultural, not logistical. “I thought, you know, within the V8 community, sort of the older demographic has been that they stick with their own ways and their own style. That was definitely a bit of a hard process in the beginning, but once I’d spoken to NZHRA and a few key people within the hot rod and the muscle car scene, they gave me full support. So that made it so much easier.” Once the hot rod and muscle car establishment backed the event, the rest of the scene followed, and 2025 ended up with JDM builds parked alongside classic Americana, motorcycles alongside 4x4s, all under one roof for the first time in years.

THE STORIES BEHIND THE BUILDS What makes Chrome Showcase worth a look for anyone who works on cars for a living is the depth of the builds on the floor. Typical stories from exhibitors at last year’s event included Sean, who brought his late grandfather’s 1952 Austin truck, which spent its working life on a Te Puke hay run before sitting idle in a shed for over a decade; in which he learned to drive, then inherited it from his uncle, and has kept it in the family ever since the farm itself was sold. A few stands along, Don marked his 70th

Auto Channel Issue #94 September 2026

birthday by scratch-building a C-cab hot rod from a pair of 1929 Chevrolet guards and cowl, handling every stage of the fabrication himself bar the final panel and paintwork, which his brother finished after Don underwent spinal surgery partway through the build. And for anyone after proof that a show car does not need to be subtle to be well engineered, Paul’s Anglia-based Batmobile tribute, widened 150mm, roof chopped 150mm, and running an MTX sound system loud enough to be felt from the next aisle, was one of the more talkedabout builds on the floor.

WORTH THE TRIP FOR THE TRADE The 2026 lineup keeps the structure that worked, with New Zealand’s top 50 builds competing for the Mothers SHINE Award in the Elite hall, a Speedzone dedicated to race and time attack cars, and an Unveils section reserved for builds seeing daylight for the first time. The Live Action Arena returns too, having drawn strong crowds in 2025 for its Super Trucks and drifting demonstrations, including a charity grudge match between the sexes. A Trade Zone runs alongside the show floor, giving parts and service brands direct access to an audience that already spends on its vehicles, a reasonable case for any workshop weighing up whether a weekend on the tools might be better spent walking the aisles instead. Gates open 10am both days at the Auckland Showgrounds, running to 6.30pm on the Saturday and 5pm on the Sunday. Weekend passes run to $60 for adults, with single-day and family options also available at the gate or online. For a trade that spends its week fixing, restoring, and building for other people, a weekend spent looking at what enthusiasts do with the same skills on their own time and their own dollar is not a bad way to recharge. Tickets are available from premierevents. flicket.co.nz

Auto Channel is the best way to reach the wider automotive industry. The publication is direct mailed to New Zealand businesses in the following automotive sectors: Automotive workshops Parts importers and distributors Transmission specialists Automotive recyclers Towing operators Panel beaters and painters Crash repairers Tyre dealers Suspension and underbody repairers Steering specialists Towing operators Auto-electrical repairers New- and used-car dealers Air conditioning repairers Trucking and transport −−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

Auto Channel Issue No. 95 distributed 1 October 2026 −−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

Editorial: contact@autochannel.co.nz Advertising: Mike White michael.white@viamedia.co.nz All other enquiries to: autochannel.co.nz Auto Channel is produced by Via Media, publishers of two of NZ’s biggest-selling automotive magazines: NZ Performance Car and NZV8.

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