The cost of a new car in New Zealand has fallen by about 20 per cent over the last few years, says research group Infometrics. The study found that between 1994 and 1999 New Zealand had some of the cheapest new cars in the world, thanks to rising real incomes, exchange-rate appreciation and the elimination of import duty. New cars are still cheap compared with other markets, but a wobbly exchange rate over the past 18 months is expected to soon take effect as carmakers roll over forward exchange rates.
Detroit demands change
Stands at the Detroit Motor Show change overnight, so that there are always new displays next morning to keep America's television networks coming back. For instance, the Ford or GM stands on Monday will look a whole lot different on Tuesday. European shows stick to the script - what you see on the first day at Birmingham, Geneva, Paris or Frankfurt is pretty much what you get for the week. Talking of television and scripts, Ford New Zealand has its new show starting on Sky Sport tonight. It's called Ford Outdoor Pursuits and focuses on fishing, boating and four-wheel-driving.
Musical fundraiser
Car dealers threw their lot in behind a fund-raising day for the North Shore Music Council at the HomeZone in Mairangi Bay last weekend. The main attraction was a purpose-built four-wheel-drive track, especially on Sunday when the rain came. One dealer took to the track in a ute - with a empty coffin on the back. Someone said something about there "being no rest for the wicked."
Pick-up power
An all-American Ford F150 pick-up passed the Good Oil on the motorway the other day. Big, powerful beast it is, too. But the fire-breathing model is the SVT F150, rare as hen's teeth in America even. Auto Motor and Sport on Friday night takes a look at the muscle-bound model, powered by a 265kW 5.4-litre V8. The Triangle Television show also checks on the progress of diesel vehicles, including the Audi A6 Avant Quattro. Highlight of the show for some will be following a spy photographer on the trail of a prototype in Sweden.
Mini fans reject BMW
The British Mini Club kicked off the car's 40th birthday last August with a huge rally. Other clubs from London to Auckland followed up with parties of their own. There was much joy in the world of Mini clubs. Not any more. The same British club, miffed that BMW has sold off Rover, has warned prospective buyers of the BMW-owned new Mini: "We have told people if the car bears the BMW logo, it will not be seen as a Mini and will not be recognised by the club," said a spokesman. Meanwhile, the launch of the Rover 75 in Australia has been cancelled. The Australians haven't had Rover cars for years and they don't want them now that Rover looks like being consigned to history.
We are the world
* Drivers in Britain who play "chicken" with trains risk two years' jail - if the train doesn't get them first. Authorities are to install cameras at level crossings in an effort to catch the reckless joyriders, says Autocar magazine.
* The pious are flocking to Texas and an unlikely religious icon, a 1967 Chevrolet Camaro. The story goes that the Virgin Mary's face appeared in the dust on the Chevy's bonnet.
* The late East German leader Erich Honecker's official car, a 1978 Citroen CX2300, was sold at auction in Germany the other day for $20,000. It's destined for a museum, to remind young Germans of the darker side of the nation's history. Honecker died in exile in Chile in 1994.
New cars cheaper
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