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Columns / Richard Edwards

Richard Edwards

Richard Edwards is one of the owners of Auto Media Group and leads its editorial efforts. Richard has been writing about New Zealand’s automotive industry and dealer community for nearly two decades. The knowledge and contacts built up over that time gives our publications leads and insight others can’t match. He is also the president of the New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild.

Outrage over Australian Atto 3 service pricing

Dozens of Australian order holders for the BYD Atto 3 have taken to social media in outrage over what some are calling “extremely high” servicing costs. The comments follow the announcement over the weekend of the service schedule.

Taycan owners must visit Porsche dealers for free software update

Australian owners of model year 2020, 2021 and 2022 Taycan electric vehicles are eligible for a free software update including an additional 50km of range, but this can only be done at the nearest authorised Porsche Centre The plan sees all Taycans yet produced, receiving a software boost to 2023 levels, bringing new features, including an electronic decoupling system for the front axle – significantly improving cruising efficiency.

New vehicle sales fall 23% in New Zealand

The official New Zealand new car registration statistics are in – showing the tough COVID-19 market in 2020 was down 22.7% year-on-year. Overall registrations dropped a massive 35,121 units to 119,620 for the year.

More new car buyers prefer to use text and message apps

Dealerships that aren’t catering to the differing communication preferences of today’s intending car buyers will get left behind by those who are doing it now and doing it well according to Podium.

Cloud based valuation system launches

UK based specialist software developer ATD Solutions has launched a new version of its vehicle RV forecasting system, AVS, specifically adapted for the Australian market. And ATD has signed up Volkswagen Financial Services Australia (VWFSA) as its first Australian customer for the cloud-based platform.

New chief executive for Cox Automotive

Cox Automotive has announced David Colwell as its new chief executive He replaces Rob Whiten, who retires from the role in March 2021.

1980s dealer training video still valid

https://youtu.be/ejA0wKTRHH4 We stumbled across this video on Youtube today that is an absolute cracker - and still holds some validity today.