Peugeot has traditionally relied upon high performance versions of standard hatchbacks to provide for the sportier customer, but a sign that the French company is about to head off in another direction is the RCZ coupe.

As well as heralding another new interpretation of the Peugeot design language, the car is the first Peugeot in recent memory to have letters, rather than numbers, designating the model, which will be used on special models in the future. As Simon Rose, divisional manager of Peugeot New Zealand puts it: “The RCZ is a sports car to halo the entire brand.”

Peugeot New Zealand expects the RCZ to appeal equally to female and male buyers, with two distinct models – a 115kW six speed automatic, and a 147kW six speed manual, both priced at $64,990. Both cars have the same 1598cc turbocharged engine, but in differing states of tune. Notably the 147kW engine is essentially the same engine as found in the Mini John Cooper Works.

Initially sales expectations were around the 50 per year mark, but after judging the level of interest at this year’s Speedshow, Grant Smith, general manager of Peugeot New Zealand is now estimating 100 per year.

Hyundai New Zealand has confirmed the MD, revealed just weeks ago, will replace the Elantra model, but will be dubbed the i35 in New Zealand.

Featuring the Gamma 1.6-litre GDI engine and 6-speed automatic transmission developed entirely in-house, it goes on sale in Korea this month (August) and is due in New Zealand early next year.

“This new replacement for the Elantra will most likely provide the best styling and performance in its class,” explains the chief operating officer of Hyundai New Zealand, Tom Ruddenklau.

A review of consumer law has drawn submissions from a number of automotive industry associations and firms.

Submissions closed on July 30 for the Ministry of Consumer Affairs Consumer Law Reform discussion paper.

The discussion document, which can be downloaded here, looks at a very broad range of consumer law, but in particular for the automotive industry includes changes to the regulation and definitions of auctions and auctioneer licensing, application of the Consumer Guarantees act to online selling, application of consumer law to business contracts and harmonisation of regulations between New Zealand and Australia - and additional protection to those buying extended warranties.

It also looks at re-instating defined statutory warranties for used cars, as there were under previous dealer legislation.

At the same time, a members bill from National MP Jackie Blue proposes to update the Consumer Guarantees Act in relation to online auctions and extended warranties.

The head of the dealership that was the victim of a $1.3 million dollar fraud by its former business manager says they have a job to do, and no longer want to dwell on the issue.

Michelle Campbell was sentenced on Monday to four years in prison for defrauding Tauranga's Ebbett Holden of the money.

Ebbett Holden Tauranga dealer principal David Johnston says the outcome brought closure.

"(The) sentencing was a fair outcome and puts closure on the criminal activity of Michelle Campbell," says Johnston.

Kiwi car owners' love affair with SUVs continued unabated last month - as SUV's edged towards 30% of the new passenger vehicle market.

A year ago, SUVs accounted for 22.6% of the new passenger market - now they have more than 28% market share.

Compact SUVs have taken 13.4% of the new car market so far this year, compared to only 7.2% six years ago.

Long term Nissan marketing manager Peter Merrie has left the distributor, while Holden has appointed broadcaster Neil Waka to run its communications.

"After a career spanning more than 25 years Peter Merrie left Nissan New Zealand taking with him our thanks and best wishes for the future," says Nissan managing director John Manly.

"Though leaving Nissan, Peter indicates his activities involving motor cars may actually increase with rallying, a new racing venture and a "high speed event overseas" all on the calendar.

Ports of Auckland has reported its latest results, posting a net profit of $37.2 million for the year to June 30.

The result was assisted by the recovery in the vehicle trade, with vehicles handled rising 17.4%  for the year to 129,811 units.

The strong profit was up from $5.4m in the previous financial year.

Managing director Jens Madsen says close management of costs (down 3.1% to $113.8m) and improved container volumes through the port contributed to the strong financial result. Overall container volumes reached a new high of 867,368 TEU (twenty foot equivalent units), up nearly 3%, while full import volumes were up 4.2%.