Auckland-based FreemanX Supercars today (Friday 24 May 2013) launches Queenstown’s first luxury self-drive scenic tour offering people the chance to get behind the wheel of some of the world’s finest automobiles.

Believed to be a ‘first’ in the Wakatipu area, the new tour enables people to be a ‘millionaire’ for the day and experience the ultimate thrill and prestige of driving a choice of two luxury vehicles during each trip.
With a fleet of four ‘supercars’ to choose from --  a Lamborghini Murciélago, Ferrari F430 Spyder, Porsche 911 Turbo or  Lotus Sports Racer -- drivers can enjoy the freedom of getting behind the wheel  of one of these magnificent vehicles while taking in the sights and sounds of Central Otago.

A chaperone accompanies drivers in a separate vehicle and escorts them as they navigate their way through the region, making scheduled stops along the way to change cars.

Inbuilt GPS systems ensure drivers don’t get lost on the way and make it to their destination safely and on time.

FreemanX Supercars is no stranger to the luxury car business. As well as operating a similar self-drive experience in Auckland for more than three and half years, FreemanX Supercars also runs track drives at Hampton Downs race track where people can take control of one of the company’s seven luxury supercars.
FreemanX Supercars owner and New Zealand land speed recorder holder Eddie Freeman said the South Island launch was a direct result of the company’s success in Auckland and offered people a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to drive these amazing vehicles”.

“People just love the feeling of jumping into the driver’s seat of a Lotus or a Lamborghini for the first time.

There’s no better thrill than being the master of your very own supercar for the day,” said Mr Freeman.

“The tour routes we’ve chosen offer some of the country’s finest driving roads, and there is no doubt the scenery is amongst the world’s best.

“I can’t think of a better way to sightsee in Queenstown than at the wheel of one of these amazing machines.”

Initially the company will offer three tour options, all starting at its Frankton base, and has unveiled introductory prices to encourage people to take up the experience.

The two-hour tour takes drivers along State Highway 6 to Kingston stopping at a lookout point en route to change cars. The road to Kingston offers a mixture of bends and straights and according to Mr Freeman is “perfect road terrain for luxury vehicles such as these”.

Tours leave daily at 8.30am, 11am, 1.30pm and 4pm with an introductory price of $199 per person driving the Porsche and Lotus, and $299 for the Lamborghini and Ferrari.

Those who crave longer in the driving seat can opt for half or full day tours to Cromwell or Wanaka, both of which take in Arrowtown along the way. Those tours start from $799 per person for the half day and $1,399 for the full day experience, and include a gourmet lunch or morning/afternoon tea and stop off points along the way.

“The longer trips enable drivers to really get to grips with what these cars can do,” said Mr Freeman.
Self-drive packages and driving days can be tailored for corporate and incentive groups for up to 100+ guests.

“While New Zealand road rules do apply, there’s nothing quite like taking to the open road in one of these supercars and literally being spellbound by the beauty this region has on offer.

“It’s surely on everyone’s bucket list!”

Kiwi supercar fans get to savour the result of a rare virtual racer-to-real car design process when the striking GT by Citroën arrives at this year’s CRC Speedshow.

The white GT by Citroën show-car, first displayed at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, comes to New Zealand specifically for July’s CRC Speedshow in Auckland and a selection of dealership activities with Citroën’s newly-appointed local distributor Sime Darby Automobiles NZ Ltd.

The car is the result of a partnership between Citroën and Polyphony, designer of the driving simulation game Gran Turismo 5 on Playstation3.

CRC Speedshow’s director Ross Prevette says: “We’re incredibly excited to get a concept car of this calibre, a real life version of a vehicle first conceived for a digital world.

“The GT by Citroën exemplifies the sort of unique, cutting edge automobiles we seek to feature at each year’s CRC Speedshow.”

Simon Rose, Citroën division manager for Sime Darby, adds: “Since the February appointment of Sime Darby Automobiles as the new Citroën importer, Ross from Speedshow and I have talked about how we could bring this marvel of design and innovative technology to our shores. To have now confirmed the Citroën GT’s availability and arranged its shipping to New Zealand, we’re delighted that we’ll have the opportunity show New Zealand car fans this irreplaceable concept vehicle.”

The GT by Citroën show-car is nearly five metres long, over two metres wide and just over one metre in height. It features gullwing doors and a rear end made exaggeratedly long to make the concept car even faster visually. Wide air intakes enhance the front end clear-cut horizontal headlamps feature penetrating blue LED lights. Inside, the cabin is upholstered in black leather with subtle touches of rare materials such as copper and steel.

Speaking at the 2008 unveiling of the concept car, Kazanori Yamauchi, creator of Gran Turismo and president of Polyphony Digital Inc, said: “GT by Citroën shows how the worlds of virtual and real-life motoring can join together to create a truly innovative partnership. We were delighted that Citroen approached us and gave us the opportunity to combine our creative strengths to build this very special concept car.  To see the car take shape in game and then for real has been a truly unique experience as our work normally stays in the digital world.”

The 2013 edition of CRC Speedshow, running 20 and 21 July at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland, also features the first-ever Castrol EDGE / Teng Tools Custom and Classic Show with more than 50 of New Zealand’s finest customised cars, pickups and motorcycles. A New Zealand Legends of Speed display is being created to celebrate the achievements of 18 Kiwi stars such as Bruce McLaren, Scott Dixon and Graeme Crosby and the 50th anniversaries of Lamborghini and the Porsche 911 will also see very special displays of these supercars created for local fans to enjoy.

News and information about the 2013 CRC Speedshow are regularly updated on the event website, www.speedshow.co.nz, or follow CRC Speedshow on Twitter (https://twitter.com/Speedshow), Facebook (www.Facebook.com/speedshownz) and Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/speedshow/).

New for 2013, CRC Speedshow is introducing a free seminar series covering a range of topics of interest to automotive and motorsport enthusiasts.

The free seminars add yet another dimension to the seventh annual CRC Speedshow when it takes place at Auckland’s ASB Showgrounds over the weekend of 20 and 21 July.

“We think it’s really important to keep CRC Speedshow fresh and offer new attractions each year,” says director Ross Prevette.

“The new seminar series stemmed from an approach from one of our exhibitors, the High Performance Academy. Their tuning expert Andre Simon suggested they could run a free seminar about the fundamentals of tuning your car’s electronic fuel ignition (EFI) system. As CRC Speedshow attracts a lot of people who are keen to learn how to improve their vehicle’s performance, we could immediately see the appeal of this and other seminars along the same lines.”

Running twice each day of the two-day event, the seminars are 20-30 minutes in length and any show visitor can attend free of charge. The seminar hosts and topics are:
 High Performance Academy / Link Computers – an introduction to EFI tuning fundamentals, installing and tuning a Link ECU, and not all fuel injectors are created equal.
 Pro Rider Motorcycle Training and Coaching – whether you’re new to motorcycling or have been riding for decades, the Pro Rider team and their SafeRidingForLife programme can take your riding well beyond the ordinary. Find out more about their graduated coaching programmes.
 Superchips New Zealand and Australia – find out how the Superchips ECU remap software works and the huge benefits possible for your vehicle.
 MotorSport New Zealand – if you’ve been thinking about getting into motorsport, but don’t know where to start, this introduction from MotorSport New Zealand will cover the many options available.

Prevette adds: “We’re delighted that one of our key partners, the Smits Group, has decided to run a special on-site seminar programme. It’s called Meguiar’s Car Care 101 and if you’re anything like me, you’re keen to find out the best products to look after your vehicle inside and out. But faced with a diverse range of Meguiar’s products, I didn’t know where to start. So Darlene Smits and her team will take us through their product line-up, what to use and when, and answer questions about specific car care issues from seminar attendees. The Meguiar’s Car Care 101 seminars will run several times each day, both days of the show.”

July’s CRC Speedshow also features a diverse range of exhibitors, all experts and keen to talk about their specialist automotive products and services.

“From brakes to race radios, to helmets, race suits and motorsport tours, if you’re into any form of motorsport, you’ll always find plenty of show specials and new products.

“Add to that a range of the latest car and motorcycle models which make CRC Speedshow the biggest new vehicle showroom in Auckland for that weekend. Complement these with the custom vehicle aspect of this year’s event, the new Castrol EDGE / Teng Tools Custom and Classic Show which features over 50 of New Zealand’s finest customised cars, pickups and motorcycles. Throw in an exciting array of high octane entertainment in the Ezybuy Motor Warehouse live action arena and plenty of things to do for the kids, and this year’s CRC Speedshow is all set to be a stunning celebration of all things automotive.”

News and information about the 2013 CRC Speedshow are regularly updated on the event website, www.speedshow.co.nz, or follow CRC Speedshow on Twitter (https://twitter.com/Speedshow), Facebook (www.Facebook.com/speedshownz) and Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/speedshow/).

Mazda and Ducati are among the first new vehicle brands to be confirmed for this year’s CRC Speedshow.

The latest new car and motorcycle model line-ups have always formed an important part of the annual automotive and motorsport expo which will run for the seventh time over the weekend of 20 and 21 July at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland.

A well-established and popular marque, Mazda returns to CRC Speedshow for the fourth consecutive year.

Glenn Harris, Mazda New Zealand’s general manager vehicle sales and marketing, says: “We’re delighted to be back at CRC Speedshow in 2013. We’re looking forward to sharing our new-generation vehicle showroom with visitors that continue to grow in number each year.

“Taking pride of place on our stand this year will be the all-new Mazda6 together with the new Mazda CX-9 and multi-award winning Mazda CX-5 – along with other vehicles in the Zoom-Zoom Class of 2013.”

Premier Italian marque Ducati also appears at CRC Speedshow again in 2013 with Ducati New Zealand getting organised to ensure the very latest models are on show.

Ducati Australia and New Zealand group marketing manager Alison Fraser says: “We really enjoy the opportunity to talk with the Ducati followers at CRC Speedshow and beyond to the event’s range of attendees that varies in ages and auto-related interests.”

CRC Speedshow director Ross Prevette welcomes the opportunity to work with New Zealand’s new vehicle distributors such as Mazda and Ducati to put on the best possible displays.

Prevette says: “For show visitors to have the chance to see so many new models all in one place, that’s a big part of an event like CRC Speedshow. Whether you’re interested in the latest fuel efficient small cars, are scouting for your next executive or family vehicle, or want to find out more about a touring or competitive motorcycle for weekend adventures, you’re sure to see an impressive range of vehicles at this year’s event.”

The 2013 edition of CRC Speedshow also celebrates Lamborghini’s 50th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of the formation of Bruce McLaren Motor Racing Ltd which sees Bruce McLaren anchor a very special ‘Kiwi legends of speed’ display. New for this year’s weekend-long automotive extravaganza is the Castrol EDGE / Teng Tools Custom and Classic Show which is attracting much interest from the owners and builders of New Zealand’s finest customised cars, pickups and motorcycles.

News and information about the 2013 CRC Speedshow are regularly updated on the event website, www.speedshow.co.nz, or follow CRC Speedshow on Twitter (https://twitter.com/Speedshow), Facebook (www.Facebook.com/speedshownz) and Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/speedshow/).

A rebuilt, customised 1953 Studebaker Starlite Coupe, a radically-customised 1940 Ford Mercury custom convertible and a hand-built, copper-coloured, Harley-powered chopper called Metallic-Ah are the first vehicles to be confirmed for Castrol EDGE / Teng Tools Custom & Classic Show, the new show-within-a-show at July’s CRC Speedshow.

CRC Speedshow and director Ross Prevette is delighted with the range and calibre of custom vehicles being submitted as possible entries.

“We’re looking for New Zealand’s best customised muscle cars, imports, hot rods, pickups, bikes and street machines,” says Prevette who used to build custom motorcycles in his previous business before buying CRC Speedshow in 2012.

“Currently we’re calling for expressions of interest from owners keen to see their vehicle on display at the Castrol and Teng Tools-backed event. A handful of really top calibre vehicles were quickly accepted by our organising committee and we’re all really looking forward to seeing the Studbaker, Mercury and New Zealand-build custom chopper featured at the Castrol EDGE / Teng Tools Custom & Classic Show during the 20 and 21 July running of CRC Speedshow.”

The only vehicle of its kind in New Zealand, the distinctive orange 1953 Studebaker Starlite Coupe was rebuilt from virtually a wreak by Trev Halstead at his Hamilton business Custom and Classic Restorations. The Studebaker was imported from the US in the early 1960s and according to Halstead, spent a lot of time backing a boat into the sea in Dunedin until the mid ‘80s.

Prevette says: “Now sporting a distinctive custom-blended orange finish, the two-door Studebaker is powered by a big block V8 Chevrolet motor with considerable enhancements to create the sort of unique vehicle which embodies the true spirit of custom vehicle shows.”

Having been named the coolest custom at the USA Grand National Roadster Show and voted car of the year at the Goodguys Heartland Nationals, the 1940 Ford Mercury convertible is an outstanding example of the craftsmanship of world-class custom vehicle builders, says Prevette.

“Created by legendary Californian operation Frank DeRosa Customs, the Mercury convertible called Brandy Wine by its New Zealand owners John and Anna Scarlett from Levin has an extensive list of modifications on top of Frank DeRosa’s radical design. It’s a genuine show-stopper.”

The custom chopper called Metallic-Ah is the personal bike of highly-talented panel beater Dave Matika from ABFX in Dunedin. A five year-long project, Matika’s low-riding, sexily-curved motorcycle was designed to be as sleek and clean as possible. Its sleek lines received copper-coloured special effect paint and airbrushing while it’s powered by a stock Harley 1340cc Evo motor.

“Dave and Metallic-Ah may well have the greatest distance to travel to star at the 2013 Castrol EDGE / Teng Tools Custom & Classic Show,” says Prevette. “But their efforts will be worthwhile because it’s brilliant to be able to see New Zealand custom vehicle design and workmanship of this calibre.”

Prevette says he’s still keen to see plenty more vehicles in all categories being submitted.

“The Castrol EDGE / Teng Tools Custom & Classic Show features the best 50 custom cars, pickups and bikes in New Zealand, so if you have a show-ready vehicle in any of the categories, we’d love to hear from you.”

Categories are:
• American street machine modified               
• American street machine stock                    
• Australian street machine modified              
• Australian street machine stock                   
• Custom bike                      
• Custom car or pick-up
• European custom
• Hi-tech / performance Japanese custom
• Hot rod
• Traditional hot rod

Click on the Castrol EDGE / Teng Tools Custom & Classic Show icon on the CRC Speedshow website, www.speedshow.co.nz for more details and the expression of interest form. The seventh annual CRC Speedshow takes place at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland’s Greenlane over the weekend of 20 and 21 July.

A new custom and classic car show running as part of July’s CRC Speedshow has gained the support of well-known automotive and industrial tool brand Teng Tools.

CRC Speedshow takes place at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland’s Greenlane over the weekend of 20 and 21 July, and the new Castrol EDGE / Teng Tools Custom and Classic Show will be part of the annual automotive extravaganza.

CRC Speedshow director Ross Prevette welcomes the team from Teng Tools, which are imported and distributed in New Zealand by ISL Industrial Ltd

Prevette says: “With Teng Tools now joining Castrol EDGE to help us create an amazing array of the best American, European, Japanese and Australian custom and classic cars and bikes, I’m confident we’re on to a winner with this unique custom vehicle event.

“We’re very excited about the calibre of the vehicles being put forward as possible entries by car enthusiasts all over the country – there are some stunning vehicles like the immaculate restored 1959 Chevrolet Impala owned by Aucklander Alex Ross entered in the American stock street machine category.

“We’re also excited about the prize packages for show entrants we’re putting together with the help of Castrol EDGE and Teng Tools – everyone’s keen to make this show a real celebration of the best custom cars in New Zealand.”

Stephen Cole who manages operations, sales and marketing at ISL Industrial comments: “We believe this to be a fantastic opportunity for Teng Tools. With a growing audience of car enthusiasts using Teng products, plus many other automotive and industrial users nation-wide, we know this show will have a wide appeal across all ages. Basically the show ‘fits’ with what Teng is about. Teng Tools are unique in many ways, particularly our fully customisable ‘tool storage system’, when compared to other brands on the market.”

Owners of cars which fit the show’s categories – American and Australian street machines, European and Japanese customs, hot rods, custom pickups and bikes – are invited to visit the CRC Speedshow website, www.speedshow.co.nz, and click on the Castrol EDGE / Teng Tools Custom and Classic Show icon for more information and apply for entry to the show.

This year CRC Speedshow also features the stunning, 24 carat gold-plated American custom-built chopper called Nehme-sis and special 50th anniversary celebrations of Lamborghini and the formation of Bruce McLaren Motor Racing.

News and information about the 2013 CRC Speedshow are regularly updated on the event website, www.speedshow.co.nz, or follow CRC Speedshow on Twitter (https://twitter.com/Speedshow), Facebook (www.Facebook.com/speedshownz) and Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/speedshow/).

With summer upon us and long warm days for riding ahead, the NZ Transport Agency is reminding motorcyclists heading out on the roads these holidays of important changes to the driver licensing system introduced earlier this year.

The changes, introduced as part of the Government’s Safer Journeys strategy to reduce deaths and injuries suffered by motorcyclists and keep new riders safer on our roads,  include:

Changes to minimum licence time requirements - all novice motorcyclists, regardless of their age, are now subject to a minimum of 18 months in the restricted licence stage. Important aspects of this change to note are:

• Taking an approved advanced driving course (Street Talk or Defensive Driving Course) no longer reduces the minimum time a person is required to hold their restricted motorcycle licence.
• The minimum time a person aged 25 years of age or older is required to hold their restricted licence has increased from 6 months to 18 months.

The learner approved motorcycle scheme - the introduction of a power-to-weight restriction for learner and restricted motorcyclists. The scheme identifies a range of appropriate motorcycles for learner and restricted Class 6 licence holders, based on the overall performance capability of the motorcycle. Learner and restricted motorcycle riders now have a wider range of motorcycles to choose from but need to ensure the motorcycle they are riding meets the new criteria. To find out which motorcycles are approved, visit www.nzta.govt.nz/lams

Strengthening the basic handling skills test – the test has been changed to ensure new riders have a higher level of skills required to ride on our roads before they obtain their learner licence.

In addition to these initiatives, the NZ Transport Agency expects to introduce a competency based training and assessment course in late 2013 as an alternative path through the motorcycle licensing stages.

New Zealand car buyers have even more choice this festive season with the Automobile Association and the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) today releasing the latest 5-star ANCAP new car crash safety ratings.

The following new vehicles have been awarded five stars:

• Kia Sorento
• Hyundai Santa Fe
• Mitsubishi Outlander; and
• Citroen DS4

"Motorists purchasing these vehicles can be assured they are travelling in some of the safest on the market," says AA general manager motoring services, Stella Stocks.

"These results cap off a busy 12 months for the independent Australasian New Car Assessment Programme - commonly referred to as ANCAP. It has crash tested and published safety ratings for 48 vehicles this year, of which 39 (81%) achieved a 5-star rating; eight (17%) achieved a 4-star rating and just one, the Mahindra Pik-Up, scored 3 stars. No vehicles were given a 1 or 2-star rating in 2012."

"The 5-star vehicles all have a number of safety assist technologies which enhance the level of safety provided to both the occupants and other road users," says Ms Stocks.

Celia Patrick, the NZTA’s group manager of Access and Use welcomed the new range of 5-star ANCAP vehicles onto the market.

"Safe vehicles play an important role, along with safe speeds, safe road use and safe roads, in reducing deaths and serious injuries on our roads. So the NZTA welcomes the increasing range of 5-star ANCAP rated vehicles onto the market."

"If you’re in the market for a new or used vehicle this holiday season, the NZTA encourages you to make a vehicle’s safety features your number one priority, and buy the safest car you can afford."

Find out about both new and used vehicle safety ratings at the NZTA’s www.rightcar.govt.nz website.

ANCAP, the independent crash testing body, is supported by the Automobile Association and the New Zealand Government, as well as by the Australian motoring clubs, the Australian Government and state and territory governments, the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation.

More than 60 classic vehicles will go under the hammer at Turners this weekend in one of the largest classic car auctions in New Zealand.

The 90 lots on sale include tractors, jeeps and cars, most of which hail from the fifties to the eighties, as well as motoring paraphernalia such as petrol pumps and signs from the same vintage.

"The range of vehicles and motoring memorabilia will be hugely appealing to classic car enthusiasts. It's rare to see this many classic vehicles all being sold in one auction so we are expecting plenty of interest from car lovers," says Alan Kurtovich, Turners Auctions General Manager.

The auction will feature a 1972 Citroen DS19 Special. A fine example of one of the most celebrated vehicles to come out of France, the carefully restored navy blue DS19 features the legendary swivelling headlamps, which are in sync with the steering wheel.

A rock-n-roll-loving red and white 1955 Vauxhall Velox will also go under the hammer. The Velox stands out from other British vehicles of the same era, borrowing much of its design from North American styling trends, including speakers in the front grill so that you can listen to a few of the classics while parked.

For those into classic American muscle, a V8 1967 Ford Mustang convertible in original white is the perfect set of wheels for a summer road trip. A 1938 Diamond T Tipper, will also go under the hammer. This very rare American vehicle has been painstakingly restored, while leaving room for the future owner to complete the finishing touches.

For those looking for something more modern and closer to home, there is also a good cross section of original high performance Holden Commodores on offer.

"There are vehicles of all shapes and sizes from all around the world, so collectors are sure to find something to suit their taste. The majority of the lots will be sold at no reserve, so there should be plenty of good deals available," says Kurtovich.

The collection will go under the hammer on Sunday 25th November at 12pm noon at Turners Auctions' Penrose Branch, corner of Penrose and Leonard Roads. The full catalogue is available on the Turners website www.turners.co.nz/classic.

Bidders are welcome to inspect the vehicles prior to the auction and will be able to participate in the auction in person at the branch, by online bidding, or via phone bid.

The all-new Holden Volt, Holden’s long-range electric vehicle, is hitting the road for the typical Kiwi road trip.

The Holden Volt will be travelling the length of the country showcasing its extended range capability, achieved with help from its on-board petrol generator.

The first 87 kilometers, depending on driving style and condition, can be driven on a charge from a regular household wall outlet which costs around $2.72 a day for a full charge. When that charge is depleted, the generator switches seamlessly to maintain a charge in the battery that gives the car more than 600 kilometers of total range.

The Holden Volt is a leader in its class and provides high tech options not available on other electric vehicles.. The Volt’s unique Electric Propulsion System gives instant torque from a standstill,, for a powerful and exhilarating drive that was described by Australia’s Top Gear as “freaking awesome”.

Kiwis will have the chance to see the Volt for themselves as it cruises through the regions:

Friday 9 November

4-6 pm Auckland: Schofield Holden

Monday 12 November

4-6 pm Rotorua: Shorland Holden

Tuesday 13 November

4-6 pm Hastings: Karamu Holden

Wednesday 14 November

4-6 pm Wellington: Ebbett Wellington

Thursday 15 November

4-6 pm Blenheim: Wadsco Holden

Tuesday 20 November

5-6 pm Dunedin: Cooke Howlison

Wednesday 21 November

5-6pm  Queenstown: GWD Russells Queenstown

Thursday 22 November

5-6pm  Invercargill: GWD Russells Invercargill

At each stop there will be competitions, the chance to win Holden merchandise and an opportunity to see the long range electric Volt and how easy it is to charge.

To find out more about the Volt go to www.holden.co.nz/Volt check out our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/HoldenNZ and follow us on twitter @HoldenNZ

New vehicles sales figures continue to improve, with the combined passenger and commercial markets reaching the second-highest number of sales for the year.

Motor Trade Association (MTA) said the total number of new vehicles sold increased for the second month in a row, with 9,388 new units sold overall – up 698 (8 percent) on the September figure. This is a solid 34 percent increase on the 7,026 new vehicles sold in October 2011. Year to date, total new vehicle sales are up 19 percent – certainly a positive economic signal.

MTA spokesperson Ian Stronach said: “October is often a strong month sales wise, with many of the new season’s rental fleet being included. Toyota, in particular, had a strong month, leading both the commercial and passenger sales figures.”

New car sales, of 7,336 units, increased by 699 units (11 percent), compared to the same month last year. Year to date, new car sales are ahead of 2011 by 11,236 units (21 percent).

The new commercial vehicle market held steady, at 2,052 – down a single vehicle from last month’s 2,053. However, this was a strong improvement over last year, with 454 more units sold (28 percent) compared to October 2011. Year to date, overall new commercial sales are ahead of 2011 by 2,391 units (13 percent) – another positive indicator of economic activity.

Top selling passenger car brands:

Toyota   1,862 units       25 percent market share
Ford    928 units     13 percent market share
Holden    720 units     10 percent market share

Top selling passenger car models:

Toyota Corolla 846 units
Ford Focus  344 units
Suzuki Swift    299 units

Top selling commercial vehicle brands:

Toyota     585 units      29 percent market share
Ford    261 units  13 percent market share
Nissan      227 units  11 percent market share

Top selling commercial vehicle models:

Toyota HiLux 334 units    
Toyota Hiace 232 units 
Nissan Navara 208 units 

Used import car sales were up by 645 units (10 percent) compared to September, and up 600 (10 percent) compared to October last year. Year to date, sales of used imported cars are down by 2,377 units (4 percent).

On-road motorcycle sales also strongly improved last month, with the most new cycles sold for the year – 571 units, an increase of 19 percent over October 2011. In particular, sales of new over-60cc cycles rallied, with a 23 percent increase over last October’s figure of 365 units sold.

“This will be a welcome relief for motorcycle dealers – this is the best October result since 2009. There is a way to go though, with sales currently down 13 percent year to date, but this is a strong start to summer, traditionally the time of the year when people buy bikes,” Stronach said.

Figures provided by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA).

Honda has announced that its cumulative worldwide sales of hybrid vehicles broke the 1 million mark at the end of September 2012. This milestone was reached almost 13 years after sales began of the first generation Honda Insight in Japan in November 1999. The first generation Insight achieved fuel economy of 35km/litre* which was the world's highest fuel economy among all mass-production petrol-powered vehicles at the time.

Hybrid is an essential step from the internal combustion engine towards full Electric Vehicles and Honda believe this technology will play an increasingly important role. Building on the unique features of its original lightweight and compact IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) hybrid system, Honda has been enhancing its hybrid vehicle lineup and currently sells 8 hybrid models in approximately 50 countries around the world including 3 hybrid models in Europe.

Honda is developing its hybrid technologies to meet differing customer demands. By further advancing its current one-motor IMA hybrid system Honda will aim to achieve number one fuel economy among all hybrid vehicles. In addition, Honda will introduce a new two-motor hybrid system for mid-size models and an efficient, high-output three-motor hybrid system, the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® (Super Handling All Wheel Drive), which delivers both superior handling and excellent fuel economy. This system will be applied to the new NSX which will be sold in Europe.

Under the global environmental slogan of ‘Blue Skies for Our Children,’ Honda will continue its efforts to develop and sell hybrid vehicles in an aim to realise a low carbon society.

History of Honda’s Hybrid Models:

Year: Month; Model introduced to the market; Honda’s cumulative worldwide hybrid vehicle sales

1999: November: First generation Insight

2001: December: Civic Hybrid

2004: December: Accord Hybrid (North America only)

2005: April: 100,000 units

2007: May: 200,000 units

2009: February: Second generation Insight August: 400,000 units

2010: February: CR-Z October: Fit Hybrid December: 600,000 units

2011: June: Fit Shuttle Hybrid (Japan only); October: Freed Hybrid (Japan only); Freed Spike Hybrid (Japan only); December: 800,000 units

2012:May: Acura ILX Hybrid (USA, Canada only); September: 1,000,000 units