This Week’s Headline Stories
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Hyundai’s new Ioniq 6 N makes waves ahead of its world premiere—first electric Hyundai hot sedan promises to shake up the sports saloon market.
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US vehicle fleet hits record high age: the average car on American roads is now 12.8 years old, showing people are holding onto vehicles longer than ever.
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Dodge Charger EV faces a recall… for not being loud enough! The all-electric muscle car’s sound generator isn’t meeting noise regulations.
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Tim Kuniskis returns to lead the revived SRT brand, putting performance back in the spotlight for Stellantis.
New Car Launches, Reveals & Highlights
| Model/Brand | Launch/Event | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Mazda CX-5 (2026) | Teased, big July reveal | All-new styling, electrified powertrains expected |
| Porsche 911 4S AWD | Added for 2026 range | Sharper performance, subtle hybrid tech |
| Nissan Patrol MY25 | Launched in NZ | Final V8 edition, luxury focus |
| BYD Seal U | UK/Europe launch | Mass-market electric crossover, strong pricing |
Key Industry Moves & Trends
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Q2 car sales show strong medium-SUV growth in Australasia and Europe while fully electric sales plateau.
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UK and NZ see heated debates on new vehicle taxes and eco-incentives, with market uncertainty affecting buyer choices.
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BYD, NIO, and Chinese carmakers expand aggressively in Europe, offering more EV options than ever before.
Tech & Innovation
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Ford BlueCruise 1.5 brings lane-changing autonomy to mainstream, rolling out in more US and UK models.
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First Level 3 self-driving approvals fast-tracked in EU and NZ.
Motorsport & Culture
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The Goodwood Festival of Speed wraps up—record crowds, debut runs by EV hypercars, and surprise damp weather.
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Formula 1 and WRC summer races heat up with shock results and rising stars.
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Local car meets and classic rallies see a surge in attendance as enthusiasts flock back after years of disruptions.
Fun Fact of the Week
Did you know the world’s oldest working car is a French-built, steam-powered De Dion-Bouton et Trepardoux from 1884… and it still runs? Preservation and innovation live side-by-side in the motoring world.
Upcoming Events & What’s Next
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Goodwood Festival of Speed: July 20–23 (UK)
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Le Mans Classic: July 28–31 (France)
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Monthly Cars & Coffee gatherings across NZ, AU, and UK
Community & Engagement
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Car of the Week: The Mazda MX-5 remains the world’s top-selling roadster—join the debate: what would you change (if anything) about the current model?
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Your Turn: Vote in our poll—Is retro styling making cars better or just recycling the past? Results and your best comments to be featured next week.
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Flashback: 20 years ago, Bugatti re-introduced the Veyron, unleashing a new era of 1,000hp street cars.
Stay tuned for next week’s MotorBuzz summary: more launches, more hot takes, and the best stories from the fast lane and beyond. If you have news, questions, or want to highlight your local motoring event or hero, let us know!
Drive safe, stay curious, and enjoy the ride.
